Untitled 1959

This painting by Auguste Herbin is made with flat areas of colour, bold geometric shapes, and hard edges. I can imagine him experimenting with the placement of forms, probably moving them around many times, to strike the right balance and achieve that satisfying composition. I wonder what was going through Herbin's mind as he worked on this painting. The bright reds and blues are so optimistic and full of life. It’s like he was trying to invent a new language, where shapes and colors speak to each other in unexpected ways. There's a definite dialogue happening here. It reminds me a little of other painters of his generation, like Sonia Delaunay. You can see how these artists were looking at each other’s work, borrowing ideas, and pushing the boundaries of what painting could be. Ultimately, this is a painting about pure sensation, a celebration of the power of color and form to move us. It's a testament to the fact that painting is an ever-evolving conversation.