Reprinted from the collection of essays A Case for Identity by Philip Gould (Boson Books Press, 2013)

JULY 2012 — An exhibition of drawings by Ellsworth Kelly opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art two weeks ago. I found the show a profoundly moving experience. Take note that the exhibit is tucked away in the American Paintings Wing making its whereabouts difficult to find. I might have thought the setting was an oversight or an unintended offense but on further reflection I could agree with the curator’s decision as completely in sync with the character of the works. Most of the drawings are done with pencil (graphite) on white paper.