Still Life (Cups and Boxes) 1951

Giorgio Morandi made this still life of cups and boxes sometime during his career, probably using oil on canvas. Looking at how Morandi applied the paint, you can really sense his process. The colours are muted, almost chalky, and he builds up these subtle layers. There's something so satisfying about the way he defines form with these soft edges. Take a look at the box on the right. See how the light catches its edge? The paint is thin and transparent here, allowing the creamy ground to peek through. You can imagine him, brush in hand, carefully considering the balance of light and shadow. For me, it’s all about the surface. Morandi's still lifes remind me a little of Agnes Martin's grids - a relentless focus on subtle variations and quiet repetition. Like Martin, he understood that art can be about nuance, inviting us to slow down and really *see*. It's a testament to the power of art as a space for contemplation, where ambiguity and multiple interpretations are welcomed.