Skogen speglar sig 1977

Lennart Rodhe made this abstract painting, Skogen speglar sig, using bold colours, symmetrical composition, and repeating shapes that create a captivating visual rhythm. The flat blocks of colour and simplified forms remind me of Matisse cut outs, but there’s also something else going on here. The way the colours bleed slightly at the edges reveals the hand of the artist, but also adds an element of chance. The repetition almost feels like a game being played on the surface of the canvas. I’m drawn to the small triangular shapes that punctuate the curves. It’s like a little hiccup in the pattern. This feels playful, like Rodhe is reminding us not to take things too seriously. This piece invites us to embrace ambiguity and multiple interpretations. Just like looking at clouds, you see one thing, and then another. Art is an ongoing conversation, and Rodhe has certainly added his own unique voice to the mix.