The Wave 1902

Frantisek Kupka made this painting, "The Wave," and it's a real trip, full of churning water and a figure that almost blends right in. Look at how the paint is applied—thin layers, kind of transparent. It’s not about hiding the process, but letting it breathe. There is a real openness that feels like the painting is still evolving, still searching. And that wave! It's not just a wave; it’s a whole world of texture and motion. The blues and greens deepen as the wave curls, and then boom! White foam exploding out. It's like Kupka is trying to capture not just what a wave looks like, but what it feels like to be near one, the sound, the smell, the sheer energy of it all. It reminds me of Courbet, but maybe a bit more… dreamy? It’s not about nailing down one meaning. It’s more like Kupka is inviting us into a space where seeing and feeling blur, and where the only thing that’s certain is the constant change.