Stock Tie 1935 - 1942

This Stock Tie, by Raymond Manupelli, it’s all about line and form, I imagine made with delicate watercolour or gouache. Look at the pattern! It's like a rhythmic dance of blues and creams. Manupelli clearly relishes the act of creation, each brushstroke a deliberate step in a carefully choreographed process. There's a real joy in the making here, a sense of freedom and experimentation. The way the blue zigzags form the outline of the tie, and then the scattering of dots, it’s like he’s mapping out a whole universe on this one piece of fabric. The colour palette feels soothing, almost ethereal. The texture seems smooth, maybe even a little glossy. Thinking about other artists, someone like Sonia Delaunay comes to mind, with her bold use of colour and geometric shapes. But Manupelli has a delicacy all of his own. Ultimately, this artwork feels like an invitation to embrace uncertainty, to find beauty in the unexpected.