Composition 1986

Moshe Kupferman made this abstract composition using pencil and paint on paper. The work’s material presence is subtle, yet profound. Kupferman’s layered pencil lines and washes of paint create a muted, almost ghostly effect. The vertical striations in the background are set against a more loosely defined foreground, with lines that seem to describe a receding space. The artist’s hand is evident in the variations of pressure and density of the pencil strokes. Kupferman's method involves a process of building up and then partially erasing. This approach speaks to a creative tradition that values not only the final product, but also the history of its making. It prompts us to think about the amount of labor involved, the artist’s decision-making, and the many layers of time embedded within the image. Ultimately, Kupferman’s "Composition" demonstrates the expressive potential of simple materials, revealing how process and materiality can carry deep cultural and emotional significance.