Mandala I 1972

John McCracken made this Mandala I with paint, at an unknown date. Look how each colored ring is surrounded by a bright white line, like a visual echo. It’s almost as if the colors are vibrating, expanding outward. Up close, you can see subtle variations in the paint’s surface, the ghost of each brushstroke. This isn’t just about flat color; it’s about the texture, the layering, the physical act of applying paint. The black background isn't just a void; it's a presence that pushes the vibrant colors forward. I'm reminded of Agnes Martin's subtle grids and color washes, that have a similar feel of meditative repetition. But where Martin whispers, McCracken shouts. He reminds us that art isn't about answers, but about opening doors to new ways of seeing.