Black Paper c. 1946

Warren Mackenzie's 'Black Paper' presents us with a series of interconnected forms on paper, a dark grid that seems to contain a network of abstracted shapes. The grid, so fundamental to modern art, echoes the ancient Roman city plans, emblems of order imposed upon nature. Yet, here, the grid is not rigid. It is organic, containing irregular shapes, which are rendered in muted blues and greens that evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection. These shapes, bounded by a dark background, create a push and pull between containment and openness. Consider how similar abstract forms appear on ancient pottery, the same geometric motifs, passed down through generations. The subconscious allure of patterns and shapes that resonate with our collective past, is a form of cultural memory. The effect on the viewer is a sense of recognition, a deep, unexplainable connection to the past. The symbolism of the grid in 'Black Paper' has gone through endless reiterations over the course of history. This visual language continues to resurface. It's a testament to the enduring power of symbols to reflect the collective consciousness of humanity.