Join The Collection to save, track, and explore works like this.

Karin Sander — Drawing #131
Karin Sander

Drawing #131

1994

Karin Sander's *Drawing #131* from 1994 offers a compelling reinterpretation of the fundamental artistic gesture of drawing. On a pristine sheet of paper, a seemingly simple horizontal line is meticulously formed not with conventional media but with a series of small, industrial staples. These dark metallic elements, precisely yet subtly placed, create a distinctive visual rhythm across the lower expanse of the page. The work challenges the viewer to reconsider the very definition of a drawn line, transforming an everyday office supply into a medium for refined aesthetic and conceptual exploration. This piece exemplifies Sander's broader practice, which often employs unconventional materials and processes to explore perception, space, and the object's relationship to its environment. The repetitive action of stapling, a mechanical act, is imbued with artistic intention, resulting in a work that is both disciplined and remarkably delicate. The slight variations in the staples’ alignment introduce a subtle human touch, preventing rigid uniformity and inviting closer inspection. It is a work that speaks volumes through its quiet precision, transforming the mundane into the profound. As a testament to Sander's innovative approach, *Drawing #131* stands as a significant example of her contribution to conceptual art. It is an artwork that rewards contemplation, revealing layers of meaning in its material choice, its minimalist composition, and its subtle interplay of presence and absence. For the discerning collector, it represents a pivotal moment in contemporary art where the boundaries of artistic expression are thoughtfully expanded.

Medium
Staples on paper
Location
Wright, Chicago, United States

🔨 Auction Lot

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

July 14, 2022

Estimate: $500 to $700

Lot 302

Start the Discussion

Request access to join the discussion

About this work

Karin Sander, Drawing #131, 1994

Karin Sander's *Drawing #131* from 1994 offers a compelling reinterpretation of the fundamental artistic gesture of drawing. On a pristine sheet of paper, a seemingly simple horizontal line is meticulously formed not with conventional media but with a series of small, industrial staples. These dark metallic elements, precisely yet subtly placed, create a distinctive visual rhythm across the lower expanse of the page. The work challenges the viewer to reconsider the very definition of a drawn line, transforming an everyday office supply into a medium for refined aesthetic and conceptual exploration. This piece exemplifies Sander's broader practice, which often employs unconventional materials and processes to explore perception, space, and the object's relationship to its environment. The repetitive action of stapling, a mechanical act, is imbued with artistic intention, resulting in a work that is both disciplined and remarkably delicate. The slight variations in the staples’ alignment introduce a subtle human touch, preventing rigid uniformity and inviting closer inspection. It is a work that speaks volumes through its quiet precision, transforming the mundane into the profound. As a testament to Sander's innovative approach, *Drawing #131* stands as a significant example of her contribution to conceptual art. It is an artwork that rewards contemplation, revealing layers of meaning in its material choice, its minimalist composition, and its subtle interplay of presence and absence. For the discerning collector, it represents a pivotal moment in contemporary art where the boundaries of artistic expression are thoughtfully expanded.

Medium
Staples on paper
Year
1994
Seen at
Wright, Chicago, United States

Related themes

Geometric, German Artist, Small Scale, European Artist, Material Exploration, Repetition Pattern, Minimalist, Mixed Media, Line Drawing, Conceptual Art, Industrial Materials, Black And White, Experimental Drawing, Process Art, Contemporary Art, Monochromatic, Works On Paper, Female Artist, Abstract, Found Materials, Object Art