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John Morris — Candescent 2
John Morris

Candescent 2

1999

Candescent 2, a compelling work from 1999, immediately captivates with its subtle complexity and delicate presence. Executed in wax, ink, and graphite on Arches paper, the artwork presents a central, softly luminous circular field against a pristine white background. Within this ethereal sphere, a meticulously ordered array of faint, intricate forms emerges, rendered with graphite and ink. These recurring, almost cellular patterns, arranged in a subtle grid, suggest a hidden biological order or a microscopic landscape, drawing the viewer into a realm of quiet contemplation where precision meets organic fluidity. Morris's masterful manipulation of materials is evident in the work's nuanced textures and depths. The wax imparts a translucent quality, enhancing the sense of internal glow implied by the title, while the precise graphite and ink drawings reveal a rigorous yet organic geometry. The composition, characterized by its measured repetition and grid-like arrangement within the circular motif, speaks to themes of structure, pattern, and the subtle energies that underpin natural systems. This piece exemplifies Morris’s ongoing exploration of perception, where visible forms hint at invisible forces, inviting a meditative engagement with the artwork’s quiet power and intellectual rigor. Through its understated aesthetic and profound conceptual depth, Candescent 2 stands as a significant example of John Morris’s distinctive practice. It showcases the artist’s unique ability to transform simple materials into sophisticated visual statements that resonate with both intellectual rigor and poetic sensitivity. This work offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a piece that embodies the delicate balance between control and spontaneity, abstraction and suggestion, making it a timeless addition to any discerning collection focused on contemporary drawing and conceptual art, appreciating its enduring appeal and subtle brilliance.

Medium
Wax, ink and graphite on Arches
Location
Wright, Chicago, United States

🔨 Auction Lot

Wright: 20|21 Art: The Chicago Edition (July 2022)

July 14, 2022

Estimate: $700 to $900

Lot 258

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About this work

John Morris, Candescent 2, 1999

Candescent 2, a compelling work from 1999, immediately captivates with its subtle complexity and delicate presence. Executed in wax, ink, and graphite on Arches paper, the artwork presents a central, softly luminous circular field against a pristine white background. Within this ethereal sphere, a meticulously ordered array of faint, intricate forms emerges, rendered with graphite and ink. These recurring, almost cellular patterns, arranged in a subtle grid, suggest a hidden biological order or a microscopic landscape, drawing the viewer into a realm of quiet contemplation where precision meets organic fluidity. Morris's masterful manipulation of materials is evident in the work's nuanced textures and depths. The wax imparts a translucent quality, enhancing the sense of internal glow implied by the title, while the precise graphite and ink drawings reveal a rigorous yet organic geometry. The composition, characterized by its measured repetition and grid-like arrangement within the circular motif, speaks to themes of structure, pattern, and the subtle energies that underpin natural systems. This piece exemplifies Morris’s ongoing exploration of perception, where visible forms hint at invisible forces, inviting a meditative engagement with the artwork’s quiet power and intellectual rigor. Through its understated aesthetic and profound conceptual depth, Candescent 2 stands as a significant example of John Morris’s distinctive practice. It showcases the artist’s unique ability to transform simple materials into sophisticated visual statements that resonate with both intellectual rigor and poetic sensitivity. This work offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a piece that embodies the delicate balance between control and spontaneity, abstraction and suggestion, making it a timeless addition to any discerning collection focused on contemporary drawing and conceptual art, appreciating its enduring appeal and subtle brilliance.

Medium
Wax, ink and graphite on Arches
Year
1999
Seen at
Wright, Chicago, United States

Related themes

Small Scale, Contemplative, Circular Composition, Conceptual, Minimalist, Male Artist, American, Mixed Media, Nature Inspired, Wax And Ink, Meditative Art, Geometric Abstraction, Neutral Palette, Graphite Drawing, White, Microscopic Imagery, Light And Glow, Works On Paper, Organic Forms, Grid, Abstract, Pattern And Structure

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