Four Shapes 1976

Mel Bochner presents us with 'Four Shapes', an exploration of form and color against a subtly textured ground. Each polygon is rendered in a distinct hue: terracotta, crimson, a deeper red, and blue. The arrangement of these shapes is not arbitrary; rather, it suggests a dialogue, a conversation among forms. Bochner prompts us to consider not just the individual elements, but the relationships between them. The negative space around the shapes is as important as the shapes themselves. The texture created by the artist destabilizes the flatness of the picture plane. It introduces an element of chance and imperfection, contrasting with the precision of the geometric forms. Bochner challenges our perception, demanding that we engage actively with the artwork. 'Four Shapes' is a visual puzzle that invites us to reflect on the nature of perception, the instability of meaning, and the interplay between order and chaos.