#44030 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a layered arrangement of geometric forms rendered in a muted palette dominated by pinks, creams, and whites. The surface texture is markedly impasto, with visible brushstrokes contributing significantly to the overall visual effect. A central rectangular shape appears recessed within the frame, creating an illusion of depth despite the painting’s fundamentally abstract nature.
The artist employed a technique that suggests both construction and deconstruction. Thick layers of paint build up the forms, while lighter passages seem to erode or reveal underlying planes. This interplay generates a sense of ambiguity; it is difficult to ascertain whether these shapes are emerging from or receding into an undefined space. A horizontal band of intense crimson cuts across the lower portion of the central rectangle, acting as a focal point and disrupting the otherwise subtle tonal variations.
The color choices evoke associations with fragility and impermanence. The pinks, in particular, possess a delicate quality that is reinforced by the rough application of paint. This combination creates an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, inviting prolonged observation. Theres a sense of interiority; the forms feel like fragments of memory or emotional states rather than representations of external objects.
The painting’s subtexts might revolve around themes of loss, recollection, and the subjective nature of perception. The layering and obscuring of shapes could symbolize the way memories are fragmented and distorted over time. The intense red band introduces a note of urgency or perhaps suppressed emotion within this otherwise subdued environment. Ultimately, the work resists easy interpretation, instead offering a space for individual reflection and emotional resonance.