Composition III 2002

Monique Orsini made this abstract composition with sweeping gestures in black and grey, punctuated by a few surprising strokes of pink and yellow. I imagine Orsini standing before the canvas, brush loaded with ink, making decisive, fluid movements. She seems confident, yet the delicate balance of tones suggests a careful consideration of each mark. Did she pause, step back, and then lunge forward again, or was it all done in one go? The thick, black lines create a sense of depth, like tunnels or pathways, while the thinner, grey strokes add texture and complexity. The occasional pops of pink and yellow provide a counterpoint, a burst of energy amidst the monochrome. It reminds me of Helen Frankenthaler's soak-stain paintings, but with a more graphic sensibility. It’s fascinating how Orsini creates such a dynamic composition with just a few simple elements. It shows how artists are always talking to one another across time, exchanging ideas, pushing boundaries, and inspiring new ways of seeing.