Studie 1923

Alexander Shilling created this Studie with graphite on paper. It’s a minimalist gesture, a kind of haiku in visual form. Shilling has left plenty of empty space, which makes the marks feel deliberate, like a thought carefully placed on a page. The texture of the paper is smooth, and the graphite lines are delicate and precise. The strokes vary in pressure, creating areas of light and shadow. There is a clustered mark in the center of the page which almost seems to be a representation of an object, though it remains difficult to read. This ambiguity invites us to explore our own interpretations, questioning the line between representation and abstraction. I'm reminded of Agnes Martin, whose subtle graphite drawings similarly transform simple lines into profound meditations on space, perception, and the quiet beauty of the everyday. Art invites us to slow down, to look closely, and to find meaning in the seemingly insignificant.