In Exclose (1982), Graves draws direct inspiration from the Medicine Wheel, an archeological site in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. This landmark, which dates from the Late Prehistoric Period, consists of concentric arrangements of limestone rocks. Archeologists have noted a distinct relation between the shape of the wheel and certain constellations, leading to speculation that the wheel was used by prehistoric Native Americans as an astronomical observatory and calendar. The Medicine Wheel was designated a National Landmark in 1970, around the time it likely captured Graves' interest. Depicted in bright pink, Graves outlines the circular, spoked shape of the formation as seen from a bird's-eye view. Surrounding this central shape and painted in an orange-red are other forms inspired by other archeological finds: cup and ring marks. These markings, found on rocks along European coastlines and believed to date back to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, frequently appear throughout Graves' practice.
In Exclose, these ancient forms of art are depicted together as abstract shapes against a black, void-like background. While seemingly honoring past civilizations and artforms they also allude to a convergence of time, serving as a testament to Graves's interest in a variety of sciences and theories.
- David Richard Gallery, Santa Fe, After Image 10/11/2017 - 11/11/2017