9 Stones 1989

"9 Stones," created in 1989 by American composer John Cage, is a lithograph on paper that exemplifies Cage's minimalist aesthetic. The work features nine abstract shapes, suggestive of stones, rendered in muted tones of brown, black, green, and yellow against a light background. The minimalist composition reflects Cage's interest in chance and the exploration of negative space, a hallmark of his later work. The title "9 Stones" alludes to the zen garden, a space for contemplation and mindful observation, echoing Cage's own philosophical approach to art and music.