Marabaraba 

Editor: Walter Battiss's acrylic painting "Marabaraba" just leaps off the canvas. The sheer vibrancy of the colors and those strong geometric patterns – it almost feels like a party in a painting. How do you interpret this work through a more formal lens? Curator: Intriguing observation. Examining "Marabaraba," we can certainly acknowledge its immediate visual impact, stemming from the calculated arrangement of color and form. Observe how Battiss employs both solid blocks of color and diagonal stripes, creating a dynamic tension. Editor: Yes, I noticed that tension! It feels almost contradictory. Curator: Precisely. Further examination reveals that the composition is rigorously structured. Note how the eye is led to the central diamond pattern through these visual pathways. Do you see how each section, while distinct, contributes to an overarching unified visual experience? Editor: Now that you point it out, the framing created by those colorful bands is key to containing the dynamic, almost chaotic, centre. Curator: Indeed. And these “circles”, like buttons, at the corner act as anchoring visual clues. These compositional elements demand an attentive viewer willing to navigate a visual field full of contrasting elements, but carefully considered and assembled. Editor: I initially reacted to its playful mood, but seeing how intentionally those patterns and colours have been used has made me rethink its complexity. Curator: Understanding its components provides insight. "Marabaraba" may present itself as a cheerful and exuberant work, but its enduring power lies in its thoughtful structure.