Sol LeWitt's gouache ‘Squiggly Brushstrokes’ from 1997 is a vibrant celebration of form and color, marking a distinct departure from his earlier works rooted in strict geometric precision. In the present work, undulating lines in red, blue, black, white, and yellow sweep across the textured paper in a free-flowing rhythm, creating a composition that buzzes with palpable energy. Each brushstroke appears as a self-contained wave of motion, yet collectively, they form a harmonious whole that embodies LeWitt's playful exploration of movement and color. The brushstrokes almost appear anthropomorphic, as if each possesses its own unique character and direction, contributing to a dynamic conversation within the composition. The work exudes a joyous sense of freedom, with LeWitt allowing the lines to overlap and interact in a spontaneous and intuitive manner, contrasting sharply with the controlled, methodical approach that characterized his earlier conceptual art.

The ‘Squiggly Brushstrokes’ series represents a pivotal evolution in LeWitt's artistic journey, bridging the gap between his conceptual art roots and a more expressive, instinctive form of painting. While LeWitt's earlier works often relied on predetermined systems and geometric logic, this series celebrates the physical act of painting itself. Here, LeWitt fully embraces the expressive potential of the artist's hand, inviting viewers to reconsider the role of spontaneity and intuition in art. Each brushstroke is a testament to LeWitt's desire to capture the joy and immediacy of the creative process. In this series, he abandons the rigid geometries of his past works in favor of playful, organic lines that meander across the paper, often overlapping and interacting in surprising ways. The bold color palette—ranging from primary hues to softer tones—adds to the sense of spontaneity and vitality. The dense textured paper provides depth and a tactile quality, enhancing the synthetic vibrancy of the painted squiggles. The series showcases LeWitt's mastery of gouache, a medium that allowed him to explore the fluidity and immediacy of his gestures, offering a new dimension to his artistic practice.

LeWitt's contributions to the medium of gouache on paper are profound. By using gouache, he was able to achieve a level of vibrancy and immediacy that is distinct from his wall drawings and earlier works in other media. The ‘Squiggly Brushstrokes’ series demonstrates his ability to push the boundaries of the medium, blending conceptual rigor with a newfound expressiveness. His willingness to experiment with form and technique in this series not only expanded the possibilities of gouache but also reinforced LeWitt's legacy as an artist who constantly challenged and redefined the conventions of his time. Through Squiggly Brushstrokes, LeWitt ultimately invites us into a world of joyous experimentation, where color and form collide in a celebration of artistic freedom.

NOTES

This artwork is signed and dated in pencil on the lower right.

We appreciate Ms. Sofia LeWitt's kind assistance in the cataloguing of this artwork.