Playing Cards and Siphon 1916

Juan Gris made 'Playing Cards and Siphon' with oil on canvas, and I can almost smell the oil paint, feel the bristle of the brush. Look at how Gris has built up these forms, almost like a puzzle, but with a wink. I can imagine him stepping back, squinting, maybe having his own glass of something while he figures out where each piece goes. It's like he's saying, "What is a table? What is a bottle? I'll show you!" The colours are muted, smoky, and the textures seem almost collaged. Look at that newspaper; you can almost feel the newsprint. Gris is in conversation with Picasso and Braque, but he's got his own voice. These guys are all eggheads, all reinventing what painting can be, pushing and pulling each other, and inspiring a whole generation. And, honestly, even now it makes me want to run back to my studio and make something new.