Abstraction 1964

Lawren Harris made this dreamy Abstraction with what looks like oil paint, maybe even pastel, and a clear love of process. The sunburst of yellows and oranges feels like it's emerging, layer by layer. You can almost see him building it up, one radial line at a time. I am drawn to how the texture of the support interacts with the pigment. It looks like he's using a dry brush technique and allows the weave of the canvas to peek through, adding a kind of atmospheric vibration. The way the cool blue shape intersects the radiant lines creates a really interesting tension, and the subtle gradations, from light to dark, are beautifully rendered. It reminds me of Hilma af Klint's explorations of spiritual realms, and how painting can be a tool for visualizing the invisible. Ultimately, this piece feels like an invitation to contemplate the unseen energies that surround us.