Mansanas 2007

This glossy, coral-toned artwork by Craig Kauffman presents an intriguing play of light and form. I can imagine the artist in his studio, carefully layering and manipulating the acrylic sheet, coaxing this smooth, almost sensual shape into being. There’s a real push-pull here between the hard-edged geometry and the soft, diffused color. What was he thinking as he worked? Was he trying to find that perfect balance between control and fluidity? The surface is so reflective, catching and distorting the light in a way that makes it feel alive, almost breathing. It reminds me of the California Light and Space movement, and artists like Helen Pashgian, who were also exploring the perceptual possibilities of these new materials. Artists are constantly responding to one another, building on what came before, pushing in new directions. For me, painting isn’t just about making marks on a surface; it's about creating a space for possibility, where meaning is always shifting and open to interpretation.