Hooked Rug c. 1936

This is "Hooked Rug" by Barnes, made with watercolour on paper. Your initial impression might be drawn to the pattern and textures. The surface is filled with small dabs of colour, each distinct yet contributing to an overall organic form. The composition is anchored by a winding, plant-like structure that dominates the visual field. The artist plays with contrast, pitting dark, dense tones against softer hues, creating a dynamic interplay. If we think about semiotics, each dab acts as a signifier, and together they construct a larger narrative about nature and artifice. Barnes employs a system of visual codes that prompt us to question the boundaries between representation and abstraction. It destabilizes our understanding of texture, form, and pattern, inviting us to engage with the work beyond its surface. The all-over composition and use of repeated shapes also invite reflection on the essence of formalism. Is it merely an aesthetic choice, or does it also mirror broader questions of space, perception, and knowledge? Ultimately, "Hooked Rug" serves as a reminder that art is not confined to fixed meanings but is an ongoing process of reinterpretation.