Pen and Ink Drawing of Diagonal, Horizontal and Vertical Lines, Black on White 1969

Sol LeWitt made this pen and ink drawing of diagonal, horizontal and vertical lines on paper, and what strikes me is how simple it is, yet it’s so visually complex. It’s all about the process, the system, the idea. The texture is created by the density of the lines, and the subtle variations in pressure give it a handmade feel, even though it's so systematic. Look at the way the lines cluster in the center, creating a kind of optical vibration. It's almost like he's mapping out a little world with these simple marks. LeWitt reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin, in that both artists used simple, repetitive marks to create something meditative and expansive. But where Martin is all about subtlety and quiet, LeWitt is more about the idea, the system, and the execution. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art can be both intellectual and deeply felt, all at the same time.