Untitled 1972

This untitled artwork was made by Rubem Ludolf using paint, with careful geometric planning. The mesmerizing effect comes from Ludolf's meticulous process, and the inherent qualities of his chosen medium. The paint’s texture allows for smooth, uniform color fields, with a weight that feels substantial yet light. Notice how the variations in tone, shifting from deep blues to near-whites, create an illusion of depth. The progression of concentric squares feels almost like a meditative exercise. Ludolf engages with a skilled tradition of geometric abstraction, a movement deeply rooted in the social and political contexts of its time. The precision in this work speaks to a careful process, perhaps even a commentary on the labor and repetition found in industrial production. Ultimately, this piece demonstrates the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding an artwork’s full meaning. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and intention behind its creation.