Cattle Brand c. 1936

J. Henry Marley's 'Cattle Brand' is an early- to mid-20th century piece, made with what looks like ink on paper; a striking minimalist composition emerges from a simple process. There's something incredibly direct and elemental about these two black trident shapes against the pale ground. The ink isn't fussy; it’s laid down with a clarity that speaks to purpose. No messing about! You can almost feel the hand moving, quickly and decisively. The texture, if you look closely, is like dry earth. Each mark stands alone, yet together they create a dialogue. It feels like two individuals standing side by side, distinct yet related. It reminds me a little of the stark simplicity of Agnes Martin's grids but with a rugged, homespun quality. It's this tension between the formal and the personal, the abstract and the representational, that makes the work so compelling. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always need to shout to be heard.