#43923 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a dense arrangement of vertical and horizontal strokes, creating a textured surface that obscures any clear representational form. The palette is dominated by muted earth tones – ochre, umber, sienna – interspersed with areas of grey, white, and touches of deep brown and violet. These colors are not blended smoothly; instead, they appear layered and juxtaposed, contributing to the overall sense of visual complexity.
Here we see a deliberate absence of defined edges. The brushstrokes are vigorous and expressive, suggesting an energetic application of paint. This technique lends a tactile quality to the work, inviting close inspection of the surface. The vertical elements, while appearing somewhat like tree trunks or architectural supports, lack precise delineation; they dissolve into the surrounding field of color. Similarly, horizontal bands suggest a landscape horizon but remain ambiguous and indistinct.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of perception and abstraction. It seems to explore the limits of representation, questioning how we construct meaning from visual information. The obscured forms could be interpreted as fragments of memory or fleeting impressions, hinting at a subjective experience of reality. The layering of colors suggests a process of accumulation and transformation, perhaps reflecting the passage of time or the complexities of human emotion.
The overall effect is one of restrained intensity. While the brushwork conveys dynamism, the muted color scheme maintains a sense of quiet contemplation. It’s a work that resists easy interpretation, encouraging viewers to engage with its formal qualities and consider their own responses to the interplay of texture, color, and form.