The Robe of Christ 1996

Silviu Oravitzan made this patterned painting, *The Robe of Christ* with small, careful touches of color. The all-over pattern, like a woven fabric, is so mesmerizing! Looking closely, I notice how the paint is applied in a thin layer, almost translucent in places, which gives the colors a luminous quality. The texture is smooth, with very little evidence of brushstrokes, and yet, the grid isn't perfect. The little squares wobble and shift, giving the whole surface a lively, handmade feel. There's a particular cluster of blue squares near the top that catch my eye – they seem to vibrate against the surrounding red and yellow. This little disturbance adds a sense of movement. The overall effect reminds me a bit of the work of Agnes Martin. The simple forms and the subtle variations in color and texture create a deeply contemplative experience, and suggest the idea of artmaking as an act of devotion. It's like a prayer, or a meditation on the nature of faith and the beauty of imperfection.