Self-Portrait I 1937

Joan Miró made this painting called Self Portrait I using oil on canvas, though the ground looks almost like it was drawn on textile. Looking at the bold, black lines, I can imagine Miró working and reworking this image. It feels like he was reaching for something. What does he see when he looks in the mirror? What does any artist see when they attempt to portray themselves? It’s a brave and vulnerable act to offer a self-portrait to the world! I love the way he makes space for uncertainty, for the intuitive mark. The black lines and organic forms feel playful and serious. It makes me think of Klee and other artists who embraced spontaneity and childlike expression.