Par le sang 1973

Herve Telemaque made this painting, Par le sang, with a flat application of vibrant block colours and bold black outlines. It's so matter-of-fact, each shape so clearly defined. I love how the artist balances these flat shapes that float on the canvas. The cup shapes are repeated, but they're all slightly different. The same is true of the two shades of red, offset against that blue background. It really shows how painting is about creating relationships, a conversation between shapes and colors. Look at the axe, for instance. The artist uses only a few lines to create an object we instantly recognize, but the blade is transparent, and the handle is outlined, yet the wood grain is missing. Telemaque seems to nod to Picasso, but also perhaps the clear, bold shapes of Fernand Leger. Like all good art, it prompts questions more than answers. What do you see?