Lackmus 1999

Sigmar Polke made *Lackmus* with printmaking techniques that yield this crazy combination of accident and intention. Look how the orange bleeds and blooms in these big, almost goofy shapes. It’s like he’s letting the materials do their thing, but also directing the chaos. The physicality of the medium is so present – you can practically feel the ink on the paper. Check out that figure on the right, with its spiky hair and wild expression; it’s like a jolt of energy, so different from the more controlled lines elsewhere. Polke lets his mark-making be super free and intuitive. He reminds me a little of Francis Picabia, who also wasn’t afraid to mix it up and let his materials lead the way. Ultimately, Polke’s work isn’t about answers but about embracing the questions.