A Position-B 1973

'A Position-B' was made by Matsutani with paint on canvas. Matsutani creates biomorphic forms that invite consideration of the qualities of materials, and the labor involved in the creative process. What’s fascinating about this painting is the dialogue between flatness and relief. On the one hand, it’s clearly an image, made with simple geometric shapes and clean colors. But then you notice the way that black ink pools at the bottom of the image, as if this was an oozing liquid. The tension between these two modes is something that continues to occupy Matsutani to this day. While seemingly simple, this work reflects a deep interest in the inherent qualities of the medium, and the way those materials have been manipulated, defying easy categorization. It invites us to appreciate both the skill of the artist, and the capacity of humble materials to become something meaningful.