Over the Wall 1946

Desmond Morris painted Over the Wall with oils, using their capacity for layering and blending to create its biomorphic forms. Morris applies a painterly technique, visible in the varied brushstrokes that define the shapes and textures within the composition. The materiality of oil paint allows for a unique depth of color, which Morris exploits to give the artwork its dreamlike quality. The forms, though abstract, are reminiscent of organic shapes, perhaps alluding to nature or the human body. The cracked red sphere draws immediate attention, suggesting a sense of rupture or damage. The composition is carefully balanced, with the weight of the dark blocks contrasting against the ethereal lightness of the central form. The painting invites viewers to contemplate the boundary between the conscious and the subconscious. Ultimately, Over the Wall reminds us that art transcends mere representation; it's about exploring the very substance of our perceptions and feelings.