Untitled 1959

Perle Fine created this untitled work on paper using collage and graphite. The grid beneath the marks and planes seems to suggest a calculated construction, but this is deceptive. The torn edges of the pasted paper introduce an element of chance. The scraps are adhered, not with seamless perfection, but with a sensitivity to their material presence. You can see how Fine was concerned with layering, as the weight and color of the various paper scraps affect the composition. What’s interesting here is Fine’s use of quotidian materials like graph paper, which is commonly used for math or technical drawings. By embracing these accessible materials, Fine democratizes the artistic process, suggesting that creativity can stem from the everyday. Ultimately, this work challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft. The layering, piecing, and assemblage of this collage highlight the importance of materiality and process, inviting us to reconsider how we define artistic skill and creativity.