Contrast of form 1913

Fernand Léger made this painting, Contrast of Forms, with oil on canvas, and what strikes me is its focus on process through bold colours and shapes. Looking at this painting is like watching Léger think. The texture isn't hidden; you can see the strokes, the layering. There’s a certain energy in the blue and white stripes that make up the cylindrical forms, and the juxtaposition with the red rectangles feels almost confrontational. It’s not about perfection, but about the act of painting, the push and pull. This piece reminds me a little of early Sonia Delaunay, and how she too experimented with color and form to create dynamic compositions. Ultimately, Léger’s painting celebrates the messiness and the ambiguity that makes art so alive and interesting.