Micro-Painting 1968

I imagine Gene Davis made this Micro-Painting with acrylic paint, maybe even gouache, and probably a tiny brush! The surface of the work is very smooth, and the edges are sharp. You can almost feel the artist’s hand moving slowly, deliberately, in the construction of the forms. The white stripes sandwiching the sliver of periwinkle blue remind me that artmaking is a process of layering and refinement. Each mark builds upon the last, accumulating until the final image emerges. The black background is like a void. I think it emphasizes the vibrancy and precision of the painted lines. Looking at this, I am reminded of Agnes Martin and her dedication to quiet, contemplative abstraction. These artists show us how a simple gesture can hold profound meaning. And that is why art is a never-ending conversation.