Nonnenhorn 

Editor: This is "Nonnenhorn," an oil painting by Willy Schlobach. It appears to depict a waterside cityscape, shrouded in a soft haze. What catches my eye is the interplay between the yellow sky and the cool blue reflections in the water. How do you interpret this work through its formal qualities? Curator: Precisely. Let's consider the syntax of Schlobach's visual language. Notice the distinct brushstrokes – how they build up a sense of atmosphere rather than precise forms. The lack of sharp delineation is deliberate. The colour palette too. Schlobach focuses our attention on the composition’s intrinsic elements. Do you observe any underlying geometric structure within the seemingly amorphous forms? Editor: I see how the verticality of the church spire punctuates the horizontal bands of water and sky. There’s definitely a structural balance at play, even though the details are softened. It's not just a straightforward depiction; it seems like something more. Curator: Exactly. We move beyond pure representation and enter the realm of sensation. Consider the surface texture itself. The visible brushwork creates a tangible, almost tactile quality. How does this emphasis on materiality contribute to your experience of the artwork? Editor: It makes it feel very immediate and present, less like a window onto a scene and more like an object with its own presence. The colours aren't blended perfectly, either; they almost vibrate next to each other. Curator: Yes! This juxtaposition is key. The artist’s formal arrangement affects our perception and feeling, inviting us to ponder on colour, shape, and material. Ultimately, decoding "Nonnenhorn" using formalism opens rich interpretations by delving into its inherent visual components. Editor: That makes sense. By concentrating on the visual elements themselves and disregarding any external context, we see that the artwork achieves its meaning through its material properties and the artist's syntax. I've learned something new today.