No. 23 1908

This drawing, "No. 23," was made by an anonymous artist with what looks like colored pencil, around 1905. The horizontal bands of earthy reds, purples and browns suggest an openness to the process; they are not quite perfect, but they are made with dedication. I notice the texture of the paper, it's got a slight tooth that grips the pencil, giving the marks a subtle graininess. Looking at the diamond shapes, I see how the artist built them up with tiny strokes, layering color upon color. There is a break in the paper on the left side, it looks like a wound. This imperfection makes the piece feel human and reminds me of the beauty in things that are worn or slightly damaged. This drawing reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, who also used grids and subtle color variations to create a sense of calm and meditative space. For both artists, art becomes a way of seeing and experiencing the world with sensitivity and care.