Theory of Boundaries 1969 - 1970

Mel Bochner made Theory of Boundaries using paint directly onto the wall. It's so cool to see how he's marked out these red geometric shapes, playing with the architecture of the space. It feels like he's inviting us to rethink how we see the room itself. I’m fascinated by the textures in this piece; you can see the materiality of the paint. Notice how the edges of some of the red blocks are rough and crumbly, almost like the paint is struggling to stay within the lines. Look closely and you can see the individual strokes and dabs that build up the color. Each mark seems deliberate, yet there’s a freedom in the way he’s applied the paint, allowing it to have a sculptural presence, rather than just being a flat surface. The whole work feels really honest and process-oriented. Bochner’s work reminds me a little bit of Sol LeWitt, in the sense that both artists are interested in systems and ideas, and the space around the thing. There's no right or wrong way to look at it. It’s all about the dialogue between the artist, the work, and you!