Untitled 1968

Howardena Pindell made this untitled artwork using an intuitive process, and a palette of earthy browns, yellows and creams. I can imagine Pindell standing in front of her canvas, thinking about form and color. It seems as though she has built up the painting with layers of small, repetitive marks, each one carefully placed. The texture is rich, almost tactile. The density and direction of strokes build a sense of movement. It’s like a swarm, or maybe even a kind of code. There's a meditative aspect to it, a rhythm that pulls you in. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's grids, but warmer. These marks are not cold or mechanical but full of life. Pindell is an important figure in abstract art and her work offers a very personal way of seeing and experiencing. I can imagine her in conversation with other mark-makers like Joan Mitchell or Yayoi Kusama. Each of these artists offers a unique perspective. They invite us to see the world with fresh eyes.