Canoeing in the arctic is to paddle inside an Agnes Martin painting. Her work doesn’t shock, unless through simplicity. It does not yell out, or point a finger toward the artist. Her work is intense, hand drawn, and full of soft and subtle color. If there’s drama in your life, when you stand in front of her work, the contrast between yourself and the painting is huge. Her work highlights your drama. I spent a night with her in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My friend David McIntosh knew her and she joined us. She was old. She didn’t say much. I was too young to say anything, let alone ask her a question. However, being in her presence was powerful. The arctic landscape is the same. It’s very still, nothing taller than a willow at hip height. The river moves silently through the landscape. It doesn’t say much. It’s intense. It’s old. I’m too young to say anything, let alone ask a question. However, being in its presence is powerful.
