Still Life With Seashell 1972

Henri Catargi made this still life painting with what looks like oil paint, somewhere in time. Check out how the colors are laid down—short, choppy strokes that build up a kind of crusty texture, not trying to hide a thing. The orange fruit has these thick edges that almost make it pop out, like a paper cutout. The surface is rough, like you could feel the brushstrokes if you touched it. I love how the brown shades inside the fruit almost vibrate against the oranges around them. It's not slick or trying to be perfect, it’s honest about being paint on canvas. It reminds me of Giorgio Morandi, with its quiet, meditative vibe and focus on simple shapes. But while Morandi’s colors are often muted, Catargi brings in some unexpected bright spots. It's a reminder that art isn't about getting things right but about seeing the world in a way that's uniquely yours.