Mara 2017

Sofia Bonati’s drawing “Mara” from the 20th Century, probably made with graphite and ink, draws us into a world of symbols and patterns. I can imagine her, perched over the paper, carefully plotting out the labyrinthine design that sits atop Mara's head, like a crown of thoughts, each turn and dead-end a little meditation. Look at how the concentric circles ripple outwards, a visual echo of the inner turmoil or maybe the quiet hum of existence. And then there's the mouse, perched so nonchalantly on her shoulder, a tiny confidant or maybe a symbol of something easily overlooked? It makes me think about other artists who use pattern and repetition to create a sense of depth and unease, like Hilma af Klint, or Agnes Martin. Artists, we're all just borrowing and building on each other’s ideas, remixing the past into something new. What do you see?