Rectangles 1981

Hedda Sterne made this painting of oil on canvas, titled "Rectangles," by applying layers of thin, semi-transparent oil paint and charcoal markings. Sterne has built up a complex composition by exploring perspective. We can see this in her delicate handling of the brush, layering tones, and creating subtle color gradations. The charcoal marks, applied to the surface after the oil paint, add texture and depth, creating a sense of spatial ambiguity. The materiality of the canvas itself also plays a role, as its weave is visible through the layers of paint, adding a tactile quality to the artwork. The geometric forms and architectural structures seem to be floating in space, emphasizing the illusory nature of painting. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic visual experience. The labor is in the layering, and the mark-making, which is an engagement with how we perceive the built environment. Ultimately, Sterne's focus on materials and making challenges traditional notions about what constitutes fine art, inviting us to consider the importance of process and perception in our understanding of the world around us.