Confluence 11 1999

Cesar Paternosto's "Confluence 11" is a painting dominated by a red hue, where subtle variations and minimal markings invite deeper contemplation. At first glance, it may seem like the simplest of gestures: a uniformly painted canvas with a few carefully placed lines. But consider the process involved. The preparation of the canvas, the mixing of paints, and the deliberate application of color all require time, skill, and intent. Notice how the texture of the paint creates subtle shifts in tone across the surface, imbuing the work with a tactile presence. The lines along the edge aren't merely decorative; they suggest a break from traditional compositions. Paternosto’s exploration of the canvas extends the traditions of painting, and invites us to appreciate the quiet labor and thoughtfulness embedded in its creation.