Arles, France 

John Michael Carter’s oil on canvas painting depicts a vibrant street scene in Arles, France, rendered with an expressive application of paint. The composition is dominated by vertical architectural elements, softened by the energetic brushstrokes and the interplay of light and shadow. This creates an inviting urban space. Carter's work can be analyzed through the lens of formalism and semiotics, focusing on how the formal elements convey meaning. The thick impasto and broken brushwork do not merely represent the scene but actively construct it. The buildings and the sky are composed of dabs of colour that suggest the transient effects of light and atmosphere. The artist employs colour to suggest the warmth of the South of France and the brisk brushstrokes lend a sense of movement to the figures populating the street, indicating a dynamic, bustling environment. The painting, therefore, is not just a depiction of a place but a formal investigation into the nature of perception and representation. The active brushstrokes challenge fixed meanings, inviting us to view the painting as an ongoing visual experience.