Vincent Van Gogh, portrait apaisé 2022

Cricorps painted this 80 by 60 cm portrait of Vincent Van Gogh with an untamed, expressive energy. It's like a playful riff on Van Gogh's iconic style, only weirder, like a cartoon. Look at the material handling – the paint isn’t trying to be realistic; it's thick in some places, thin in others, joyfully embracing its own texture. The artist's hand is so present, unafraid. Especially the black outlines, they really bring out the cartoonish element. The palette is intense and vibrant, yet there’s a sense of control in the chaos. This portrait feels like a conversation across time, echoing Van Gogh, but with a contemporary wink. I'm reminded of Guston's late work, both share a rawness and immediacy. It’s a painting that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and maybe that’s its greatest strength.