Brauner (10) Victor Brauner

The composition presents a complex arrangement of abstracted figures against a textured, off-white background framed by a border of small, repetitive dots. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos and symbolic density.
Here we see two primary forms dominating the visual field. One, rendered in green with a single, large eye positioned centrally, evokes a stylized head or mask. Its mouth is open in what could be interpreted as either a cry or an expression of surprise. A red, triangular shape extends from its lower portion, resembling a wing or perhaps a simplified representation of a garment.
Adjacent to this figure is another, characterized by a blue, block-like form that suggests a face. This element lacks discernible features beyond the implied structure and color. It appears to be connected to a long, undulating line which terminates in what resembles a hand grasping at something unseen. The connection between these two forms isn’t straightforward; it seems more like an entanglement than a direct relationship.
The artist employed a limited palette of bold colors – green, blue, red, and black – set against the neutral background. These hues are applied with a degree of flatness, contributing to the images graphic quality. The use of black outlines around many shapes emphasizes their separation and reinforces their symbolic nature.
Subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of communication, confrontation, or perhaps even entrapment. The single eye on the green figure could symbolize observation, judgment, or a sense of vulnerability. The grasping hand suggests an attempt at connection or control, while the blue form’s impassivity might represent resistance or detachment. The overall arrangement implies a dynamic tension between these elements, hinting at an underlying narrative that remains open to interpretation.
The repetitive dot pattern around the perimeter creates a visual rhythm and serves as a kind of boundary, isolating the central figures within a defined space. This framing effect further enhances the sense of mystery and symbolic weight attached to the depicted forms. The inclusion of names – Septime Sens and “Victor Brauner Zurich” - adds another layer of complexity, potentially referencing individuals or concepts relevant to the artist’s personal or artistic context.