Study for ‘Breath of Clay’ 1978

Giuseppe Penone’s 1978 “Study for ‘Breath of Clay’”, is a minimalist, abstract watercolor painting on paper. This is a study for a larger sculpture, and the artist utilized the natural brown of the watercolor to create a sense of earthy, organic form. The artwork is reminiscent of a body, with a swirling form and subtle texture. The artist's signature is included at the bottom of the piece, revealing the artist's engagement with the materiality of the medium.