The Basket 1920

Juan Gris painted “The Basket” with oils in 1924, and what strikes me is how he coaxes form out of a limited palette. It’s like he’s saying, “Look, I don’t need a ton of colors to make you see the world in a new way.” Take that newspaper—it's not just flat; the paper has volume, and the letters are more than just graphic elements; they’re architectural blocks building up the composition. And the way Gris layers the paint, thinly in some areas, more thickly in others, gives the painting a real sense of depth. That little pipe at the bottom is everything, it's leaning in and inviting us into this world. Gris reminds me of Morandi, another artist who could turn simple objects into monumental experiences. Art isn’t about showing us what we already know; it’s about opening our eyes to new possibilities.