Mariche 2 1997

Jesús Rafael Soto created "Mariche 2" as an exploration of how we perceive space and movement through color and form. Soto's Venezuelan heritage deeply influenced his approach to art, as he sought to capture the vibrant energy and dynamism of his cultural surroundings. The artwork, with its striking geometric shapes and bold color contrasts, encourages us to consider the ways in which color affects our emotional state. The squares of yellow, red, green, and black, arranged against a background of subtle vertical lines, create a shifting visual experience that challenges our understanding of stability and depth. Soto once remarked, "I want to integrate the spectator into the work... to create a situation in which the spectator participates.” In "Mariche 2", Soto invites us to physically and emotionally engage with the artwork, allowing us to find our own place in the kinetic interplay of colors and shapes. The work reflects the complexities and ever-changing nature of lived experience.