Africans in the autumn, the long yellow grass 

Walter Battiss created this captivating artwork, "Africans in the autumn, the long yellow grass," using oil on canvas. The initial impression is a vibrant mosaic of earthy tones, dominated by striking yellow vertical lines, suggestive of bundled grass. These lines intersect with angular shapes, creating a dynamic, almost Cubist-like composition. The figures, rendered in slender, elongated forms, seem integrated into the landscape, their actions almost ritualistic. Battiss skillfully uses color and form to evoke a sense of communal activity and harmony with nature. The way the figures interact with the lines and planes may reflect structuralist ideas, where individuals are defined by their roles within a broader system. Consider how Battiss uses texture and brushstroke to create depth and movement, inviting us to explore beyond the surface and contemplate the underlying structures that shape our understanding of culture, identity, and the environment.