Untitled IV 1989

Willem de Looper made this "Untitled IV" on paper, probably in 1989. I'm struck by the dynamic between the black shapes, almost architectural in their boldness, and the way the white peeks through, not just as background but as active participants. The texture is amazing; the black paint looks thick, layered, almost built up like a relief. You can see the strokes, the direction of the brush, making it feel very present, like you're witnessing the act of painting itself. Then there's that surprising pop of red, a thin line near the bottom, a small rectangle near the top – it’s like a little jolt of energy. This piece reminds me a little of Franz Kline's black and white abstractions, but with a warmer, more intimate feel. It's a testament to how much can be communicated with so little. There's an acceptance of chance, of the unpredictable nature of the medium. It’s not about perfection, it’s about the conversation between the artist, the paint, and the surface.