86-3-15Q 1986

Angelo de Sousa made this artwork, 86-3-15Q, with some kind of paint, and maybe a ruler. The way the pale colours softly shift reminds me of the subtle touch of Agnes Martin, though de Sousa’s piece has a slightly warmer tone. Looking closely, you can see how the paint has been built up in delicate layers, almost like watercolor, creating a gentle texture. The surface isn't flat, it has a kind of breath to it. The ruled lines divide the canvas into four equal parts, but they’re so faint they almost disappear, letting the color take center stage. Notice how the upper right quadrant seems a little brighter, a little warmer. It makes the whole painting quietly hum. This piece reminds me that art doesn't have to shout to be heard; sometimes, the quietest voices speak the loudest. There’s a generosity in leaving things open, in letting the viewer find their own way in.