On the Pavement 1984

Morteza Katouzian made this painting, On the Pavement, using oil paint, and what strikes me is the tonal quality, a scale of browns and yellows that make the scene both intimate and timeless. It feels like a memory, doesn't it? The thickness of the paint varies, creating a sense of depth and texture, particularly on the figure’s worn shirt, where the brushstrokes feel almost sculptural. Look closely at the way the light catches the folds, each one rendered with a decisive stroke. It's as if Katouzian is not just depicting fabric, but the weight of a life lived. The soles of the feet, slightly dirty, call to mind a life exposed to the elements. This piece, with its raw emotion and earthy palette, reminds me of Courbet's commitment to depicting the unvarnished truth. Both artists share a willingness to confront the everyday, finding beauty in the mundane. And that's something I can definitely relate to.