Orange Tie Folded 1975

Avigdor Arikha painted this orange tie, folded, in a way that makes you think about the simple beauty of everyday life. Look at how he's used watercolor. It’s thin, almost transparent, which gives the tie a light, airy feel, like it could float away. The paint isn't trying to hide itself; you can see how it moves and blends on the paper. Notice the folds and creases Arikha captures. Each one is painted with such care and precision. It's a masterclass in how to make a humble object interesting, even beautiful. The tie is the main focus, but the beige background isn't just blank space; it gives the orange a stage to shine on, doesn't it? Arikha reminds me a bit of Giorgio Morandi, who also loved painting simple objects and really looked at them. Both artists show us that art can be found in the most ordinary places if we take the time to see it. It is about the process of seeing, and looking.