Blue Vase With Flowers 2002

This is Aldemir Martins' "Blue Vase With Flowers," and it’s a study in how color alone can create form and mood. Martins' mark-making feels intuitive, like each color block was placed with a sense of freedom, embracing the unexpected. I love how the materiality of the print shines through. The colors aren't blended, but juxtaposed, creating a vibrant contrast. Look closely, and you can almost see the hand of the artist in each stroke. There’s this one spot in the flower, where the red speckles meet the pink, that feels so raw and full of energy; it brings the whole piece to life. Martins' work reminds me a bit of Matisse. Both artists aren't afraid to simplify forms and emphasize color. It’s a reminder that art is a conversation. Each piece builds on what came before, creating something new and unexpected.