Lint van crèmekleurig gaas van 15 meter c. 1900 - 1915

This fifteen-meter ribbon of cream-colored gauze by Gustav Schnitzler is like a drawing in three dimensions. The repetitive coiling makes me think about how we build up a painting, layer by layer, decision by decision. What I love about this ribbon is the way it embraces its material. You can see the delicate texture of the gauze, the slight variations in tone. It's all about touch. I can imagine running my fingers along its edge, feeling the give of the fabric. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's subtle grids. Look at the way the ribbon curves and folds. It is secured by a single piece of string. It's a beautiful, understated gesture. It speaks to the beauty of the everyday. This piece reminds me that art doesn't always have to be monumental or grand; it can be quiet, intimate, and just as powerful.