Untitled [figure on a swing] [recto] 1955 - 1967

This drawing of a figure on a swing was made by Richard Diebenkorn, likely with graphite on paper. The directness of the medium is notable. Graphite offers a means of immediate expression, every mark left by the artist visible on the page. The texture of the paper itself is also integral to the drawing’s impact. Rather than concealing the material properties, Diebenkorn allows them to contribute to the overall effect. Consider the physical act that generated this image. The artist must have been observing closely. The swing's motion seems caught, suspended mid-air. The use of line conveys the essence of form without the need for elaborate detail. The very act of drawing becomes a form of engagement, inviting us to participate in the scene. This work invites us to reconsider the value we place on the immediate and the handmade. It underscores the significance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.