No. 1 1973

Jeremy Moon's "No. 1" presents us with a stark arrangement of red and white stripes. At first glance, these might seem merely decorative, but let's consider how such visual elements carry weight through time. The stripe, as a motif, has appeared in various contexts, from the robes of medieval figures to heraldic emblems. Stripes denote belonging and identity. Think of the uniforms of soldiers, or prisoners, or even sports teams. Here, the repetitive nature of the stripes borders on the hypnotic, engaging with a deep-seated human fascination with pattern and order. We are drawn to create meaning from symbols, to impose structure where it might not inherently exist. In the red we see life, vigor, and potency. Paired with the white, the duo evokes purity and simplicity, which when contrasted, is a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This combination echoes across centuries, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.