Untitled 1969

Soledad Sevilla made this untitled work, and it's rendered with paint on canvas. The precise, repeating geometric forms have a mechanical feel; indeed, they remind me of machine-made tiles or linoleum patterns. The artist has embraced the flatness inherent to painting, using strong, simple colors to emphasize a rhythmic, almost hypnotic composition. There's a tremendous amount of labor involved in creating such a precise design. While this may look like a pattern that could be easily printed, Sevilla has chosen the slow, deliberate process of hand-painting. This gesture elevates a potentially mass-produced aesthetic into the realm of unique artistic expression. It asks us to consider the value of handmade work in a world dominated by industrial production. By focusing on the act of making, Sevilla challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and time invested in creating this visually striking piece.