Waiting Room in Ouchy 1943

Varlin made this painting, Waiting Room in Ouchy, with oil on canvas. The way he uses a limited palette is fascinating; it's all muted tones, creating a sense of quiet anticipation. For me, artmaking is very much a process, and here, you can really see the artist working and reworking. The texture of the paint is key. It’s thick in places, almost sculptural, like around the figure in the center, who seems to stand guard. But then look at the floor, see how the paint thins out into these translucent washes. This contrast creates a real sense of depth. The brushwork is so direct and honest, and it feels like we’re right there in the room with them. There's something very Hopper-esque about this scene, capturing a moment of everyday life. But what's so lovely is that Varlin doesn’t give us all the answers. He lets the ambiguity and emotional tone speak for itself. Art is about embracing these multiple interpretations.