Anges Martin - Abstract

Agnes Martin has been a big influence of mine for most of this year. The subtly of line fades and comes back into focus, alike the writing of Jan Vanwoert's 'Emergence'  - things begin to unfold on the surface of interpretation. What i also appreciate in her works is that they speak poetically giving them a 'light' appearance.

She states: That her work is a "simple experience, you become lighter and lighter in weight, where you wouldn't want anything else." (Martin, 1966)

I find this quote interesting in terms of my practice as I too want to make work that is light in conceptual ideas. Martin' s theory is that it is not until you encounter the work, where the subtly of the lines give access to 'memories' and possible 'inspirations' of interpretation. I take this to mean that a work of art is not purposely conceived, the response depends upon the observer.

This idea of the artwork unfolding to the viewer is an idea that i have been really interested in. In terms of my practice i want the viewer to create a movement as things begin to fold and unfold on the surface of interpretation in a constant flux, it is through layering and light that things become clearer as line and form begin to move through transformations and optical shifts. In Martin's paintings they display a slight hiccup or wobble in perception, this is in both viewer and making, when you engage with the works you begin to realise that this subtle wobble in the picture plane is because each individual line is drawn by hand. Her paintings exhibit duration as she fakes time to repeat these forms. This fracture in time is particularly important as the patterns require careful control and attention. Some maybe overwhelmed when having a close intimate engagement with the work you will begin to see that every line was drawn individually (free hand).

Agnes Martin, The Islands c.1961 acrylic and graphite on canvas, 72 x 72 inches Collection Milly and Arne Glimcher, Courtesy PaceWildenstein

What is most interesting is that when viewed from far it gives a sense of a square hovering in the middle of the canvas and the viewer, creating this blurring of what we perceive familiar.