Head Pad c. 1937

John Wilkes made this piece called 'Head Pad' some time in the 17th century using what looks like pen and ink and watercolour. What strikes me about this piece is the way that Wilkes uses simple lines and blocks of colour to create such a vibrant and engaging image. It's playful, almost like a toy, and I find that so intriguing. The colours are really interesting, aren't they? The way the red contrasts with the blues and browns in the pattern creates this striking visual tension. It feels balanced and harmonious, but not without a little bit of friction. Take a look at the little spikes around the edge of the circle. See how they're slightly irregular? To me, that gives the piece a handmade quality and imbues it with a sense of movement. It's almost as if the pattern is breathing or pulsating. I think of Hilma af Klint and her geometric patterns when I look at this piece. Both artists explore the relationship between form and colour, creating works that are visually striking but also deeply meaningful. Art’s an ongoing conversation, right? We're all just riffing off each other, trying to make sense of the world in our own way.