#32428 Georges Malkine

The composition presents a layered and dreamlike scene dominated by shades of blue and green. A rectangular frame, rendered in dark tones, establishes a visual boundary that separates the foreground from what appears to be an underwater environment. Within this space, numerous stylized eyes float amidst swirling brushstrokes suggestive of water currents or perhaps bubbles. These eyes vary slightly in size and orientation, some appearing open and alert while others seem more closed or veiled. A small seahorse is positioned near the lower right corner, adding a touch of naturalism to the otherwise abstract arrangement.
Above this aquatic realm, two distinct figures are placed within geometric shapes. The figure on the left, partially obscured by shadow, seems to be in a reclining pose, its form elongated and distorted, hinting at Cubist influences. To the right, a face with large, almond-shaped eyes is set against a deep blue background. This visage possesses an unsettling stillness, its expression difficult to decipher – perhaps conveying serenity or detachment.
The inscription Sirènes (Sirens) at the bottom of the work provides a crucial contextual clue. The presence of these floating eyes, combined with the serene yet enigmatic faces above, evokes the mythological sirens whose voices lured sailors to their doom. However, here we see not monstrous creatures but rather stylized representations that suggest a more psychological or symbolic interpretation of this myth.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of allure, deception, and perception. The eyes, as symbols of sight and awareness, become unsettling when detached from recognizable bodies and suspended in an ambiguous space. They seem to observe the viewer, creating a sense of being watched or scrutinized. The faces above, seemingly removed from the underwater drama, might represent a dispassionate observer or perhaps embody the seductive power that remains unseen but exerts its influence.
The overall effect is one of surrealism and unease. The artist has constructed a visual language that blends abstraction with recognizable forms to explore complex psychological states and mythological narratives. The work invites contemplation on the nature of perception, the dangers of temptation, and the unsettling beauty found in the liminal spaces between reality and dream.