Rhythmic Mark-Making in Contemporary Graphite Drawing | May 19, 2025
- Cristina Barbedo
- May 19
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Douglas Gilbert’s style, characterized by dense, repetitive, and rhythmic mark-making, achieves a profound effect when placed in such a serene, intentional environment. The intricate web of graphite lines creates a visual tension between chaos and control, inviting prolonged contemplation. Its monumental scale and vertical orientation draw the eye upward, echoing the architecture’s lofty, chapel-like proportions and emphasizing the immersive quality of the work.
The art is placed in an environment filled with creativity, as the house itself was designed and built with the full participation of the owners, Peter and Ann Cohen. The Cohens not only created a home but envisioned a space that serves as a vessel for their remarkable art collection, with each room thoughtfully curated to highlight the dialogue between architecture and artwork.
Douglas Gilbert’s drawing, set within the quietude of this space; defined by pale walls, soft light, and clean architectural lines, it becomes both a focal point and a meditative presence. The interplay between the artwork and its environment heightens the emotional and intellectual impact of both, making the piece not just a part of the home, but a vital expression within it.
photo: Cristina Barbedo
