Elliptique 1994

Matsutani made 'Elliptique' with graphite, creating a world of subtle gradations. It is the kind of piece that makes you slow down, lean in. Look at the surface. It’s not just flat, it’s alive. The graphite almost breathes, with layers built upon layers. The oval form is like a portal, or a dark mirror. The gesture feels simple, almost primordial, and yet it’s incredibly refined. I think of Morandi and his subtle still-lives, or maybe even the Rothko Chapel. It’s this kind of work that reminds me that painting isn’t just about what you see, it’s about how you feel. It's about the potential for art to hold space for contemplation, for ambiguity, for something beyond words.