Wing 

Robert Ryman’s ‘Wing’ consists of white paint, applied to either canvas or metal. At first glance, it might seem simple. But look closer, and you’ll see the artist’s hand at work, layer upon layer. These marks, built up over time, reveal the material quality of the paint itself: its viscosity, its capacity to reflect light, and how it interacts with the surface beneath. Ryman uses a basic material – house paint, in many cases – and elevates it through process. His emphasis on process allows for the exploration of social issues related to labor and consumption. The repetitive strokes and the time invested in building the painting’s surface prompt reflection on the value of labor in art, and perhaps the art market. This emphasis on materials, making, and context challenges our traditional notions of fine art versus craft. Here, the act of painting itself becomes the subject, blurring the lines between concept and creation.