"'Perfection Is in the Mind', interview with Agnes Martin by Joan Simon, 1995/96"

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“When I first made a grid I happened to be thinking of the innocence of trees and then this grid came into my mind and I thought it represented innocence, and I still do, and so I painted it and then I was satisfied. I thought, this is my vision.”

“The truth is that I have lived on an even keel. I don't go down, and I don't go up. I believe in living above the line. Above the line is happiness and love, you know. Below the line is all sadness and destruction and unhappiness. And I don't go down below the line for anything.”

“..we supported each other.. .He thought I was a good painter, and I thought he was a good painter.”

“Bring ice, thanks, Agnes”

“..the function of art work is.. ..the renewal of memories of moments of perfection.”

“When I cover the square surface with rectangles, it lightens the weight of the square. Destroys its power.”

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