Colcha 1935 - 1942

Majel G. Claflin made this Colcha with paint on paper, and, seeing it, I immediately feel a kind of kinship. Look at how the different hues form these gentle, arching rainbows—blues, browns, yellows, greens. It feels so intuitive, like watching a landscape slowly reveal itself. The paint isn't trying to hide anything; it's straightforward, almost childlike in its simplicity, but there’s also a very particular rhythm and logic to it. I really like the little blocks of color on the left and how it seems the painting is acting as a key for itself. Those curving lines and little flower motifs are so present. There's a certain honesty that reminds me of Hilma af Klint's work, that same desire to get something essential down on paper. It's like they’re both figuring things out as they go, embracing the messiness, and leaving space for us to do the same. And ultimately, isn't that what art is all about?