Grand carnival Ostendais 1934

Felix Labisse’s *Grand carnival Ostendais* is a parade of subtly coloured folks, perhaps created with oils. I wonder if Labisse enjoyed making this painting, or if he struggled like I often do when I paint figures? Either way, it feels like he found his own way to do it—the noses, mouths and eyes are all rendered with such precision. They have a cartoonish quality but are also quite stylish. I can see that they are not flat. The colour palette is beautiful, made of blues, yellows, and muted reds, which feels considered. The expressions of the characters in the painting are quite somber—even the carnival-goers seem like they are lost in their own thoughts. It reminds me of Ensor, and it’s nice to think of them both making paintings in Belgium. Each artist inspires and pushes the next one along. I imagine it's the same with all artists, with their own sets of problems and solutions. You can't help but admire them!