Ring Image M 2010

Robert Mangold created this "Ring Image M" from acrylic and graphite on canvas. The canvas support plays a crucial role. It's stretched taut, providing a smooth, consistent surface for the application of paint and graphite. The acrylic paint is applied in flat, even layers, creating a matte surface that emphasizes the shape of the ring. The graphite lines, drawn precisely on the painted surface, add a layer of complexity. Look closely and you can see the subtle variations in tone and texture created by the graphite, which gives the work a tactile quality. The use of these materials is tied to larger shifts in artistic production, where industrial materials are adopted to create a very precise aesthetic. The labor is evident in the careful planning and execution of the work. Ultimately, "Ring Image M" encourages us to consider the relationship between material, process, and form, and challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a painting.