![Ugo Rondinone - Achtzehntermarzzweitauseendunddreizehn [2013]](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5738/23543930961_f5004c9176_o.jpg)
The present work is a prime example of the artist’s iconic acrylic on canvas target paintings. With the paint sprayed rather than brushed onto his canvas, Rondinone’s chromatically vivid concentric rings become hazy, almost melting away at their edges to create an apparent depth and texture which builds a visual complexity for the physically flat work. The hypnotic tondo appears reminiscent of a Buddhist or Hindu mandala, inducing feelings of meditative or transcendental reflection. Calling upon a formalised daily cataloguing system with the date title, Rondinone undercuts his suggestions of sanctity with the banal titling of this work. The painting becomes a testament of presence and of ritualised activity and connects to a larger assembly of work from Rondinone’s impressive output.
[Sotheby’s, New York - Acrylic on canvas, Plexiglas plaque with caption, diameter 270 cm]