Father and Sons 1951

Corneille made "Father and Sons" with paint and probably a brush, but really, it could have been anything. The surface is a weave, like a tapestry, so the effect is soft, even though the shapes are blocks. I love how the colors are both muted and bold at the same time. Blue, red, and yellow pop against the grays, and the thick black lines keep everything in check. Look at the little red dots. What are they? Are they anchors? Are they eyes? The overall feeling is playful, yet there is an underlying tension created by the sharp angles and clashing colors. Corneille’s work reminds me of Joan Miró, but more grounded. Both artists create worlds where things feel symbolic, but you can’t quite put your finger on what they mean, and maybe you’re not supposed to. That's what I call the conversation of art, which keeps evolving across time.