Moon and Sun 1990

Rufino Tamayo made this print, "Moon and Sun," using a kind of colour lithography that lends itself to the texture we see here. It's about the process. Check out the grainy surface, the way the blue and yellow almost vibrate against each other. There's a real tension in the division of the surface. It's like Tamayo is using the colours themselves to suggest opposing forces, not just representing the sun and moon as simple objects. The texture looks almost accidental, but it's controlled, like a happy accident worked into the design. Look closely at the sun's face, with its sly grin. It's like a mask or a cartoon, a simple expression of emotion, almost like a child's drawing. It reminds me a little of Paul Klee's playful approach to form. What I love about this piece is the feeling that anything is possible!