Figure rose 1937

Jean Helion made this painting, Figure rose, with oil on canvas, and it’s like a puzzle made of shapes and colors. The way he builds the figure from geometric forms makes me think about artmaking as a process of construction. Looking closely, you can see how Helion uses layers of color to create depth and shadow. The paint is applied smoothly, almost concealing the brushstrokes, which gives the surface a cool, polished feel. I’m drawn to the cylindrical shape at the figure’s neck. The warm browns and oranges create a sense of volume, while the sharp edges give it a solid, almost mechanical quality. It’s like a piece of architecture, carefully constructed from simple forms. Helion’s work reminds me a bit of Fernand Léger, with its focus on geometric abstraction and industrial forms. But there’s also something playful and surreal about it, a sense of humor that keeps it from becoming too rigid. Ultimately, it's a painting that invites you to explore the space between representation and abstraction.