Untitled 1966

This untitled work was made by John Altoon using pen and ink on paper. The artist’s hand is evident in the spontaneous application of the drawing. In this piece, the artist makes use of hatching and cross-hatching to create tones and suggest shadow and depth. The application of the ink is not entirely precise, and delicate washes add a dream-like quality. The choice of such simple and direct materials, pen and ink, is significant. The artist engages with the traditional method of drawing, yet departs from it, blurring the line between representation and abstraction. The work challenges the conventional techniques, instead prioritizing mark-making and the immediacy of gesture. Ultimately, it's the interplay of material, process, and the artist's hand that gives this piece its character.