Isabella I 1974

Al Held made Isabella I, a sheet sized 57.31 × 77.63 cm, with what looks like graphite on paper. It’s all lines here, but these lines don't describe the world; they create one. I’m drawn to how these lines meet, how the circles and shapes intersect in a really intriguing way. The texture of the paper gives the piece a raw, immediate feel, like you’re right there in the studio with Held as he’s figuring things out. Look at the bottom left, where a circle meets a diagonal line, and notice how the weight of the graphite shifts. It’s not just about geometry; it’s about the hand’s touch, the subtle variations that make it human. It reminds me of some of Sol LeWitt's wall drawings, but with more of a personal, almost architectural feel. It's a reminder that art isn't always about answers; sometimes, it's about the questions we ask and the spaces we create to explore them.