Wall Decoration c. 1939

This Wall Decoration was made by John Collins, who lived a long life between 1855 and 1995. Can you imagine him making this? I can, and I bet he was smiling. The rosehip design is rendered in a limited palette of pink, green and tan, with loose and flowing brushstrokes. It’s a painted pattern, but so freehand it feels alive. Like it grew there. The floral motifs meander across the surface. The pink rosehips plump and juicy, and the dark green leaves, rendered with broad strokes, create a playful rhythm. Look at the way he flicked the brush to make those leaves! There's a really compelling tension between the simple forms, and the way they are laid out in a grid format. Collins shares something with other painters such as Henri Matisse, and Etel Adnan, who use simple forms to create a satisfying sense of depth, color, and joy. It's a testament to the enduring power of painting.