Melons from Corat 1964

Sattar Bahlulzade made this painting, Melons from Corat, with oil on canvas. You can see his marks are joyful. It’s like he’s singing with his brush. The paint is applied in short, rhythmic strokes of contrasting colors. Look at the pomegranates, see how they are made with reds and oranges! Then your eye follows the sweep of greens, yellows, and blues across the painting. There’s a real sense of energy in the material, which feels very direct and sensual. The painting almost seems to vibrate! The still life reminds me of Matisse. Both artists use vibrant color and simplified forms to express a sense of joy and vitality. This painting shares Matisse’s interest in surface pattern, flattening the space to emphasize the decorative qualities of the composition. Ultimately, art is about conversation. What do you hear?