Two Oranges 1975

Avigdor Arikha made this painting of two oranges probably from life, and with watercolour. Look closely at that shadow between the two fruits, it’s like a soft, grey poem, isn’t it? Arikha's handling of the watercolor feels so direct, and there’s nothing overworked here. The way he lets the white of the paper sing through the washes gives everything a sense of freshness, like the zest of an orange. The details on the orange to the left are just incredible. He suggests the dimpled texture of the peel with just a few dabs and flicks of the brush. It's as if he’s inviting us to slow down and really see what’s in front of us. It reminds me of Morandi, who did all those still lifes, but with bottles. Arikha's focus on observation and the quiet beauty of everyday objects is what makes his work so compelling. Art isn't about having all the answers, it's about asking the right questions.