Une femme-peintre naive 1950

This black and white photograph by Brassai shows a domestic interior, including an example of what we might call 'naive' painting. I love the way the painterly impulse declares itself. The painting above the mirror depicts a white cat nestled amongst flowers and foliage rendered with simple forms and flat areas of color. You know, there is a very particular pleasure to be gained from the directness of these images, an intuitive approach to composition and form that feels unfiltered. I feel myself sympathizing with this artist, who is looking and feeling the world. Perhaps the artist was thinking of Henri Rousseau, another naive painter, or maybe they were just following their own vision, not worrying about academic conventions. Ultimately, all artists are in conversation with one another, inspired and influenced by the art that has come before. This exchange is exciting. It makes me want to get in the studio and mix some color!