The Bush 1971

Richard Artschwager made 'The Bush' without a specified date, using graphite on paper. What hits me first is the mark-making, almost like meticulous scribbles, all working together to create this very detailed interior scene. There's this incredible texture throughout the entire drawing. The way he builds up the graphite feels almost sculptural, like you could reach out and feel the density of the shadows. Look at the chair in the bottom-left - you can almost feel the texture of the fabric and the way the light catches on the edges. It’s not just about representing what’s there, but about creating a whole world through touch and tone. It reminds me a bit of Vija Celmins’ drawings, but where she focuses on isolated objects, Artschwager is all about the environment. Ultimately, it's like he’s saying that seeing is not just about looking, but about feeling, experiencing, and piecing together a reality that's always shifting.