Made in Japan, La Grande Odalisque 1964

Martial Raysse made this painting, "Made in Japan, La Grande Odalisque," with what looks like vibrant, flat colors, setting up a play between the traditions of painting and pop art. The artist's process here feels a bit like a collage. What really grabs me is the green—that unexpected, almost alien skin tone layered in a way that doesn't quite flatten, doesn't quite create depth. There's a real tension. Then there's the headscarf, an explosion of color and pattern, with real tassels, which feels like Raysse is having a real conversation with the history of painting. He's quoting Delacroix's Odalisque while turning her into something modern, almost like a fashion plate or a billboard. It reminds me a bit of Sigmar Polke, who also messed with high and low culture. Ultimately, it's not about settling on one meaning but embracing the push and pull of seeing.