Cherries 1915

Here is Juan Gris’ painting, Cherries – made with oil, I imagine, in layers. I love the dialogue between flatness and depth here, the way he coaxes the cherries from out of the surface of the painting, as though they are erupting from an unseen dimension. Look at the juxtaposition of patterned and solid color fields, how they push and pull the composition. What was he thinking, trying to create order and disorder at the same time? I can almost feel the artist’s hand carefully positioning each shape, balancing the geometric forms with the organic curves of the fruit. It reminds me of Cézanne's apples, but with a Cubist twist. As painters, we’re all standing on each other's shoulders, responding to what came before, and pushing the conversation forward. It’s a testament to the power of painting, how a simple still life can become a site of endless exploration, revealing new possibilities with each brushstroke.