Universal Joint 1967

Thomas Downing made this painting, Universal Joint, and I imagine it was made with meticulous care, given those clean lines and bold colors. What strikes me is the materiality of it all - how the colors sit next to each other, creating a kind of visual vibration. It's like each stripe is holding its breath, existing in a state of pure potential. Look at the dark blue edge, it creates a counterpoint to the warmth of the reds and yellows. The surface looks smooth, almost like it's been sanded down. It's a painting that invites you to lose yourself in its simplicity. Downing was part of the Washington Color School, and you can see the influence of artists like Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland in his work. But there's also something uniquely his own here, a kind of quiet confidence that shines through. It makes you think about how artists build upon each other's ideas, creating an ongoing conversation that spans generations. Ultimately it’s a testament to the power of color, form, and the simple joy of making something beautiful.