#43945 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a fragmented view, constructed from geometric blocks and planes arranged within a defined rectangular frame. A dominant brown hue permeates much of the work, establishing a somber and restrained atmosphere. The artist has employed a limited palette, primarily consisting of browns, ochres, creams, and a single, striking area of yellow situated in the upper left quadrant.
The arrangement suggests an architectural space viewed through a series of barriers or screens. These are not depicted realistically; instead, they function as abstract divisions that interrupt visual flow and create layers of perception. The foreground is dominated by two rounded forms, rendered in muted beige tones, which appear to be positioned on a flat, white surface. Their organic shapes contrast with the rigid geometry surrounding them, introducing an element of ambiguity regarding their nature – are they natural objects, sculpted forms, or simply abstract representations?
The interplay between solid blocks and open spaces generates a sense of depth, albeit one that is deliberately flattened and distorted. The yellow area, while small in scale, acts as a focal point, drawing the eye and providing a visual counterweight to the prevailing brown tones. It could be interpreted as representing light or an opening onto another space beyond the depicted framework.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of perception, enclosure, and the construction of reality. The fragmented nature of the scene implies a fractured perspective, suggesting that what is seen is mediated by layers of interpretation and experience. The limited color range contributes to a feeling of introspection and restraint, while the juxtaposition of geometric and organic forms hints at a tension between order and chaos, structure and fluidity. Ultimately, the work invites contemplation on the nature of representation and the ways in which we construct meaning from visual information.