Zoar Cloth Samples c. 1937

Jerry Guinta made these 'Zoar Cloth Samples' out of paint on canvas at some point between 1855 and 1995, though the exact date is unknown. Looking at these painted squares, I’m struck by the way Guinta approaches the grid. These aren't rigid, perfect lines; there’s a fuzziness, an almost tender touch to the way the colours meet. It's like he's feeling his way through the process of making the image. The texture is intriguing. You can almost feel the give of the cloth, the way the fibers might snag on your fingers. The way the red and black check interacts with the gray check next to it is fascinating. Guinta seems to be saying that art is about exploring possibilities rather than arriving at definite answers. It reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin's work, in the way she uses simple forms to create a space for contemplation.