Built-in Cabinet 1937

Marius Hansen made this study of a built-in cabinet in watercolor. Just imagine the careful, repeated brushstrokes to achieve the wood-grain effect. I wonder what Hansen was thinking as he made this; was he concerned with light and shadow, or was he more interested in documentation, recording the design of the cabinet? Whatever his intention, he's transformed something quite functional into a lovely object of contemplation. Look at the subtle color variations. The browns aren't just brown, they're mixed with reds, and yellows, creating depth and warmth. It reminds me of Agnes Martin, the way she used grids to create stillness, Hansen uses repetition of form and colour to create a calming presence. We, as artists, are constantly in dialogue with each other, borrowing ideas and transforming them into something new. Painting becomes this ongoing conversation, a beautiful back-and-forth across time.