74V09 Possibly 1973 - 1993

This photograph, '74V09', was shot by John Divola. It's a scene built from simple gestures, a corner inhabited by spattered dots and swooshing graffiti. I'm thinking about Divola stalking this derelict space, finding beauty in its forgotten state. The can of spray paint becomes a tool of liberation; the wall is his canvas. I wonder if he felt like a vandal or an artist, maybe both? It's all about touch, the way the paint hits the surface, splattering, dripping, and building up in layers. The photograph captures the raw, messy process of creation. There's a sense of freedom here, a willingness to embrace imperfection and chance. It reminds me of Cy Twombly's scribbles or even some of the early graffiti artists. Art is always a conversation, an echo of gestures and ideas across time. This is an invitation to look closer, to see the beauty in the overlooked, and find meaning in the unexpected.