Untitled 1973

This untitled piece by Johannes Jan Schoonhoven is made from cardboard, and it’s all about repetition and process. Look at the surface, it’s like a field of tiny, three-dimensional squares, each one carefully made and placed. The texture is key here; it’s not just flat, it’s got depth and shadow. The light catches each little square differently, creating a subtle play of light and dark that shifts as you move around it. You can almost feel the artist’s hand in each mark, the time and care taken to create this grid. Notice the way the grid isn't perfect, there are slight variations in the shapes. It reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin’s grids, but with a more handmade feel. Both artists share this interest in simple forms and repetitive actions, and that’s what makes it so powerful. Art doesn't always have to shout; sometimes it whispers, inviting you to slow down and really see.