I was dreaming (first version) 1953

Curator: Here we have "I was dreaming (first version)," painted by Le Corbusier in 1953. It’s quite striking with its bold colors and unusual shapes. Editor: Yes, a dreamscape indeed! There's something wonderfully unsettling about the clashing colours. That acidic green juxtaposed with the softer blues and reds feels deliberately jarring. Curator: Absolutely. What’s fascinating is considering this painting against the backdrop of Corbusier’s architectural work. We tend to see him as this champion of functionalism and modernism, yet here, he's completely uninhibited. It almost rebels against his public persona. Editor: It’s a far cry from his rigid grid system, wouldn’t you agree? It’s so interesting, these strange shapes keep pulling my focus; what do you suppose they are supposed to represent? It evokes a sense of primal symbols, archetypal figures wrestling for dominance on the canvas. Curator: It’s all open to interpretation, of course, and intentionally so. But considering Corbusier's fascination with the human form and the natural world, perhaps these abstract figures represent a reimagining of both. There is the idea of architecture representing the human body and perhaps Corbusier is deconstructing the same architecture that he built. Editor: Perhaps. The colors and the stark division also evoke strong emotions: the calm blues juxtaposed with the fiery reds – and maybe some form of rebellion from someone known to represent such a structured style. Curator: Well, the interesting fact is that these colors actually speak to his evolution as a public persona and a more expressive and perhaps rebellious individual. This painting is fascinating because it reveals a private world in sharp contrast with the modern, often stark, built environment he promoted. Editor: It seems to speak volumes, and perhaps shows how our subconscious lives as architects and as artists can inform and change our conscious, practical efforts. Curator: Exactly! I think "I was dreaming (first version)" provides an incredibly valuable lens through which to consider his legacy. Editor: I agree. Thank you, I found that very enlightening, it allows me to understand what is below the surface a lot more.