Quadraten 1969

Editor: So here we have "Quadraten," a relief sculpture by Johannes Jan Schoonhoven from 1969. At first glance, it’s a pretty straightforward grid of white squares. What immediately grabs me is its quiet intensity - almost meditative, yet rigorously structured. What do you make of it? Curator: It’s wonderfully deceptive, isn't it? From afar, a perfect minimalist grid, almost robotic. But step closer, and each square dances with individuality, boasting tiny imperfections. Schoonhoven wasn't chasing cold perfection, I suspect. More likely, he was hinting at the beautiful chaos within order. Think about sand dunes or beehives – the most intriguing things are made of subtle differences. Editor: That makes me wonder, how intentional were these "imperfections"? Is he consciously disrupting the rigid order? Curator: Absolutely! Schoonhoven played a lot with shadow. The slight variations in depth create a shimmering effect, changing as you move. It’s like he is saying, "Even in the most rigid systems, there is movement and life." Were you expecting something quite so dynamic? Editor: No, not at all! I initially saw it as very static, almost cold. But now I see how the variations invite you to linger and discover the unexpected. It really challenges the idea of minimalism as purely sterile and detached. Curator: It does indeed! And perhaps prompts us to question what we truly see when we think we know something, hmm? Every viewing is another adventure! Editor: Definitely. It shows how a deeper look reveals the richness hidden within apparent simplicity. Thanks so much.