Stufengefuge 1973

Kurt Kranz made this work, Stufengefuge, in 1973. It looks like it's made of concentric rectangles of color, painted in watercolor or gouache. You can see the layering, the build-up of tones - for me this kind of repetition always speaks to the rhythm of making. I love how Kranz uses a limited palette to create such a dynamic effect. The colors are muted, almost pastel, but they create a sense of depth and movement. I keep thinking about how each painted line is a meditation, a way of thinking through color and form. Look at the way the dark blue outer rectangle contains all the other shapes, like a frame within a frame. It reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, who also used repetition and subtle color variations to create a sense of calm and contemplation. Ultimately, this piece reminds me that art is an ongoing conversation, a process of exploration and discovery. It’s not about fixed meanings, but about embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations.