The Proclamation of American Independence 1926

André Bauchant painted this scene of "The Proclamation of American Independence" in 1925, using oil on canvas. There's a stiffness to the figures and a kind of naive perspective, which I find really charming. It's like Bauchant is figuring out painting as he goes, which is what I'm always trying to do! Look at how he renders the faces – each one has this intense, almost mask-like quality. They’re lined up, holding hands like paper dolls, with these serious expressions and these awkwardly held documents. The paint application is smooth, almost flat, which gives it this otherworldly feel. The colours are muted and earthy, except for the bright reds of the military coats, which pop against the green background. I love how Bauchant takes this grand historical subject and makes it so intimate and personal. It reminds me a bit of Henri Rousseau, another self-taught artist who had a unique way of seeing the world. Bauchant’s work reminds us that art is always a conversation and that there's always room for new voices and perspectives.