Abstraction 1915

Juan Gris made this painting in 1915 with a touch that suggests the process was more important than the product. It’s like he's saying, "Let's see what happens if..." There's a real materiality to this abstraction. Look at the way the paint sits on the surface, almost scrubbed into the canvas. The color palette is pretty restrained, mostly blues, greens, and browns, but there's a playful energy in the composition. Notice the little polka dots. They're a decorative element that feels almost mischievous. It's like Gris is poking fun at the seriousness of abstraction. The way the shapes interlock reminds me of Picasso, but with a slightly different vibe. It makes me think about how art is always a conversation. Artists riffing off each other, challenging each other, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. And ultimately, it’s about embracing ambiguity and letting the viewer bring their own experiences to the table.