Woman and Cats 1969

Will Barnet, at some unknown date, made this painting of a woman and cats, and just looking at it, I can feel the artist working with flat planes of color to create a world that feels both real and dreamlike. I can imagine Barnet beginning with a simple sketch, then carefully layering in the colors, orange, black, gray, each shape defined and distinct, yet fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. There’s a tenderness in the way the woman is holding the cat, her hands almost forming a cradle, while another cat rests on her lap. The cats look as though they're part of her world, and maybe even her dreams. It makes me think about other artists like Milton Avery, who also played with simplified forms and color. It feels like Barnet is inviting us into a quiet, contemplative space, celebrating those intimate moments of connection and companionship. And isn’t that what art is all about, sharing and celebrating our human experiences?