Untitled #48 1997

This drawing, Untitled #48, was made by Nicola Tyson using graphite on paper. I can imagine Tyson’s hand moving across the page, back and forth, hatching in dense lines. The lines create dark areas that delineate the form of a seated figure with a bulbous head and a grumpy expression. What I think is cool about Nicola’s work is how she’s pushing up against what’s allowed, in terms of form and gender. The British painter Gillian Ayres comes to mind, as another artist who went their own way, trusting their gut with total commitment. I think it is important to embrace uncertainty and allow for multiple readings. It’s like artists are always eavesdropping on each other across time, riffing off each other's energy.