Leaves 1966

Agnes Martin made this drawing called ‘Leaves’ using graphite and gesso on canvas, but when, exactly, who knows? I love the way Martin’s work feels like a quiet, almost meditative process. The subtle graphite lines create a delicate grid, barely there, like a whisper. Up close, you can see the slight imperfections, the wavering of the lines, which reveals the hand of the artist, not trying to make it perfect. Look at how the horizontal lines are broken by short vertical marks, forming these imperfect rectangles, but not quite. I think this is about rhythm, like a musical score, but for the eyes. When I look at it, I think of Sol LeWitt, who also worked with grids, but Martin's feels more emotional, more personal. Ultimately, art isn't about answers; it's about opening up possibilities, and Martin does that in spades.