Spring Undergrowth c. 1901 - 1902

Curator: Joan González's "Spring Undergrowth" invites us into a vibrant, though undated, corner of nature. What strikes you about it at first glance? Editor: It feels very immediate, almost as though the artist captured the scene en plein air. You can almost feel the humidity. Curator: Indeed, the materiality reinforces that impression. González seems concerned with documenting the subtle shifts in color and texture, evident in the handling of the oil paint on the support. Editor: The work reflects a time when urban audiences had a growing appetite for idealized landscapes. It offered them an escape from the rapidly industrializing world. Curator: The quick brushstrokes suggest a society increasingly interested in the fleeting moments of everyday life. Editor: It's fascinating how "Spring Undergrowth" encapsulates both a yearning for nature and a shift in artistic production. Curator: Exactly. González's work illustrates how artistic expression intertwines with its historical context and the very substance of its creation.