Statuette c. 1937

Frank Fumagalli made this statuette out of paint on paper; its date is unknown. The artist’s hand is evident in the way he lets the brown wash pool and settle, creating depth and shadow. I’m drawn to the way the surface of the paper remains visible beneath the paint, adding a subtle texture to the image. It feels like Fumagalli is not trying to trick us into believing this is a real sculpture. Instead, he’s showing us the act of its creation. Look at how the cross-hatching on the base suggests volume, but also flattens the form. The way the dog is almost the same colour as the man, yet they seem to be in different registers – the dog feels more realistic, while the man is more stylized. Maybe it’s the man’s hands, or his expression that feels fixed, as if he is stuck in time. Fumagalli’s work reminds me of Martín Ramírez, another artist who used simple materials to create complex and personal visions. Both invite us to see the world through their unique lenses.