Still life 1927

Fernand Léger made this striking ‘Still Life’ painting. It's a real mix of sharp lines and muted colours. Léger’s process feels like he's building with blocks, constructing a world from geometric shapes. Look closely and you will see how the flat surfaces have a slight sheen, making them reflective. The dark blacks are deep and matte, contrasting with the lighter whites, which seem to float above the surface. There is one particular section near the bottom right of the painting where two flower stems curve gently against a stark black background. The contrast between the fluidity of the organic shape against the rigid geometry captures the essence of Léger’s style. It reminds me a little of Stuart Davis, who explored a similar language of abstraction. Ultimately, art is about seeing things in new ways, challenging what we think we know, and embracing the unknown.