Still Life (Red and Yellow) 1930

Still Life (Red and Yellow) was painted by Arshile Gorky using oil paint on canvas. The way that he applied the material is as important as what is represented. Gorky built up the paint in layers, creating a tangible surface. In some areas, the paint is applied thinly, allowing the texture of the canvas to show through, while in others, the paint is thick and textured, with visible brushstrokes. This contrast in paint application adds depth and visual interest to the composition. The still life is composed of simplified, geometric forms, which create a sense of balance and harmony. The red and yellow hues provide a bright colour to the work. The artist's hand is very much in evidence here, which challenges the mass-produced aesthetic of industrialism. It’s a reminder that the act of making, the labor involved, and the artist’s personal touch, are all essential to the creation of art.