Cesar Domela made this ‘Relief #123’ using wood, paint, and metal. These materials are not particularly precious, but the beauty is how they have been combined. Domela clearly relished working with industrial materials and processes. See how the surfaces are perfectly smooth, the colors uniform, and the curves precise. He didn’t want to leave any trace of the artist’s hand; instead, he embraced abstraction and simplification. It’s almost as if he wanted to turn painting into a feat of engineering. But look closer, and you can see that the ‘Relief’ has been assembled by hand. The painted forms are built up in layers, not machined. The sleek metal edgings are carefully applied. It's a skillful balancing act, suspended between the traditions of painting and the aesthetics of the machine.