Torso / Ritmo 1915

Anita Malfatti made this suggestive, earthy nude using pastels on paper. Looking at it, I imagine her, charcoal in hand, circling the figure, trying to find the exact right curve of the back, the particular tension in the arm. The colors are so alive, oranges and reds that evoke warmth. The textures of the marks, the way they build up in layers, make me think about the physicality of the body. It’s like Malfatti is not just showing us an image, but also letting us feel the weight and presence of the figure. I love how she uses these swooping marks, almost like trails of color, to create a sense of movement. It reminds me of other artists, like Marsden Hartley, who were also trying to capture the energy and rhythm of life in their work. Painters are always borrowing and riffing off each other! For me, the beauty of painting is that it captures a moment of seeing and feeling that can stay open and alive.