Tingari Cycle 2004

This is a painting called Tingari Cycle, made by Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri. I'm drawn to the way the artist has systematically built up the composition from multiple squares, each containing concentric rectangles. You can feel the rhythm, the energy of the artist as he works across the surface. The texture is really intriguing too. The ochre paint looks earthy, almost like it's been mixed with sand, and the white dots that edge each form create a beautiful contrast. Look closely, and you’ll see how the imperfections and slight variations in each square give the piece a human quality, a sense of being handmade. There's something so satisfying about the way these shapes fit together, how the slight shifts in color and form create a sense of movement. It reminds me a little of Agnes Martin's grids, but with a totally different sensibility, more rugged and organic. It just goes to show, there are endless ways to make a painting!