Wall Paper Border c. 1937

John Garay made this wallpaper border, with its maroon and teal palette, sometime between 1855 and 1995. I love the way the colors bounce off each other, creating a visual rhythm that’s both soothing and stimulating, like a good conversation. Looking at the surface, you can almost feel the hand of the artist in each stroke. The paint is applied with a certain deliberateness, yet there’s also a sense of improvisation, especially in the circular motifs that disrupt the otherwise rigid geometry. Notice how the maroon dots along the top and bottom edges aren't perfectly uniform, giving the design a human touch. The little floral form is like an interruption, a small, slightly awkward gesture that keeps the pattern from becoming too predictable. It makes me think of Hilma af Klint, another artist who explored pattern and symbolism in her work. Both artists remind us that art is a language, a way of communicating ideas and emotions that go beyond words. What does this pattern say to you?