In the Village 1978

Grégoire Michonze made this oil painting, called ‘In the Village,’ and I am really drawn to his earthy palette, and how the figures in the foreground appear to emerge from this ground. It’s interesting to consider the materiality of the painting – the texture seems quite built up, especially in the foliage and landscape. It's like he’s wrestling with the paint, using the brush almost like a blunt tool to carve out these forms. Look at the way Michonze renders the women's faces, with the dark outlines and simplified features. There’s a directness there that I find really appealing. Michonze reminds me a little of Paula Modersohn-Becker. There's that same commitment to portraying everyday scenes with honesty and a kind of raw intensity. Ultimately, art is about asking questions, not providing answers, and Michonze definitely leaves us with plenty to think about.