Still Life 1964

Bernard Buffet made this Still Life painting, though when exactly, I'm not sure. What grabs me first is the bold choice of an orange backdrop against those stark black lines defining the objects, it’s like a stage set waiting for a play to begin. Up close, you really see the rawness of the paint. It’s not trying to hide anything, every stroke feels immediate and deliberate. Those heavy black outlines aren’t just about defining shapes; they add a graphic punch. I’m drawn to the way the paint is built up, especially around the coffee pot and bottles. It’s like Buffet is not just painting what he sees but how he feels about these objects – their weight, their presence. Looking at this, I’m reminded a bit of Morandi’s quiet, contemplative still lifes, but with a lot more angst. Where Morandi whispers, Buffet shouts. It’s a testament to how different artists can take a similar subject and make it sing – or scream – in their own way.