Wandering breath 1968

Here, in 'Wandering Breath' by Avigdor Arikha, the stark contrast between the fiery orange and the deep, enveloping black speaks volumes. In my view, the orange evokes light, a symbol of illumination, or even a soul adrift. Consider how the symbol of light contrasts with darkness, a recurring theme throughout art history, representing the eternal struggle between knowledge and ignorance, hope and despair. Think of Caravaggio's dramatic use of light to highlight emotional intensity. Just as light has been used to depict divine intervention, here it seems to suggest a state of being caught between worlds. The wandering breath of the title captures a sense of restless movement. Emotionally, the painting hints at feelings of isolation and introspection. These images are never still; they are constantly resurfacing, adapting, and finding new resonances across the ages.