Agnes Martin's series "The Islands I–XII," created in 1979, is one of her most profound and complex works, encapsulating her meticulous approach to minimalism and abstraction. This twelve-part series, each canvas measuring 72 x 72 inches, is unified by a matte-white tonality, with each painting slightly differing from the others through subtle tints of green or yellow. These variations are so minute that they challenge the viewer's perception, engaging them in a deep, contemplative interaction with the artwork (Art Canada Institute).

The series was first exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe and subsequently traveled to several museums across the United States. Each canvas is composed of pale washes of color applied in bands, structured by finely drawn graphite lines. The composition of these canvases is based on major divisions that are occasionally subdivided, creating a delicate interplay of lines and colors. This methodical arrangement highlights Martin's classical approach to composition, where she believed the essence of a painting transcended the mere representation of color and form, reaching towards a manifestation of light and space (Dia Art Foundation) (The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation).

Martin's work in "The Islands I–XII" series reflects her philosophical exploration of light and abstraction, which she expressed as an interest in depicting "lightness" and "formlessness" that breaks down conventional forms to focus on the essence of perception itself. This series invites viewers to a slowed-down mode of looking, encouraging a meditative gaze that not only sees but also feels the subtle shifts in tone and texture (Dia Art Foundation).

"The Islands I–XII" represents a culmination of Martin's lifelong dedication to exploring the subtleties of minimalism, where the simplicity of the presentation belies the complexity of its execution and the depth of its invitation to introspection. The work emphasizes the importance of composition in Martin's art, underscoring her belief that true beauty in art derives from the perfect balance of form, line, and color, orchestrated to evoke an emotional and almost spiritual response from the viewer (Art Canada Institute) (The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation).