Marché 1965

Emilio Grau Sala made this painting, Marché, with visible brushstrokes of lush greens, vibrant reds and earthy yellows, capturing a bustling market scene. I imagine Grau Sala standing there, his senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells. Look at the way he's daubed the paint, thick in some areas and thin in others, building up a layered surface that shimmers with light and movement. He is interested in what a painting can do and make, what feeling it can carry. Notice how that expressive brushstroke of red, describing a punnet of tomatoes, can evoke a sense of vibrancy and energy. The way he’s depicted the scene reminds me of other painters like Bonnard, with his intimate glimpses of everyday life. Artists are in an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring one another’s creativity. This painting invites you to wander, to linger, to discover new things each time you look at it.