Figo 2006

Beatriz Milhazes made this print, Figo, with screen printing, layering shapes and patterns in playful ways. I bet she was thinking about Matisse cut-outs, or even Brazilian textiles, while composing this piece. There's something so seductive about these forms, the curves and spirals, the flowers and blobs and the bright colours... how they come together to make an image that is dynamic and joyful. I wonder how many layers of colour she printed? Each layer, so carefully aligned with the others, builds up this intricate dance of form. The circles and spirals create movement across the surface of the painting. They push and pull against the eye and the combination of warm and cool colours creates a sense of depth and dimension, as if the painting is breathing. For me, paintings like this are a reminder that making art is really a conversation that takes place over time. We are always in dialogue with the artists who came before us, building on their ideas and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.