Gevouwen vorm 1986

Maria van Elk made this collage titled 'Gevouwen vorm' out of paper. What I love about this piece is how it's both simple and complex. The plum shape on the pale ground creates a great tension. It's not just about the color, but the texture too. Look at the way the paper is almost translucent, like skin. Up close you can see the fibres of the paper. I keep thinking about how the slightest shift in color or pressure when the paper was laid down, could totally transform it. It reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin. Both artists explore the beauty of imperfection and the power of restraint. They show us that less can definitely be more, inviting us to slow down and really see. Art isn't about having all the answers, it's about embracing the questions.