Basket, Table, Door, Window, Mirror, Rug #41 [recto] 1974

Richard Artschwager made this drawing, Basket, Table, Door, Window, Mirror, Rug #41, with pen on paper. It's all about the process of looking, and then finding a line to describe what you see. The texture is created by the consistent weight of the line. This gives the objects a hard, almost industrial feel, but it’s still a humble work on paper. It makes me think about how simple marks can describe whole worlds. Look at the way the lines define the edges of the table. It’s not about shading or making it look real, it’s more like an architect's plan. The rug hanging from the door is a particular point of interest. It looks almost like a waterfall, bringing a sense of fluidity to the otherwise angular composition. It reminds me of the work of Sol LeWitt, who similarly used simple lines to explore space and form. But Artschwager has a more personal touch. His drawing is a reminder that art isn't about perfection, it’s about seeing and thinking.