Coq et pommes 1964

Martial Raysse’s ‘Coq et pommes’ presents itself with a rhythmic repetition that feels almost like a playful wallpaper design. Raysse seems to be letting the process lead, embracing a kind of artmaking that feels off-the-cuff. Looking closely, I see how the stenciled motifs of roosters, apples, pears, and birds are laid out across a bright yellow ground. The colors are flat, bold. The texture looks smooth, as if applied with a printmaking technique, yet each mark has a handmade feel. Notice the small apple in the middle vertical row: the deep crimson color is solid, and the form is both recognizable and simplified. The surrounding yellow creates a vibrant contrast. This piece reminds me a little of the pop art sensibilities of someone like Andy Warhol, but with a folksier, more intimate touch. Raysse is less about the cool detachment of mass production, and more about the warmth of the handmade. It's a fun, engaging reminder that art doesn’t always need to be serious; sometimes, it can just be an ongoing, joyous experiment.