Composition 1975

Alexandre Istrati made this "Composition" with paint, but when, where, and exactly how remains a mystery that only adds to its charm. What strikes me most is the dance of blues, playing off against the softer pinks, yellows and greens. It's a process of layering and revealing, like archaeology. Up close, you can see how the paint is applied, thin in some areas, thicker in others, creating a surface that's both chaotic and controlled. Look at the way he’s scratched into some of the wet paint. What tools did he use? A brush handle? A palette knife? I love the way these elements shape our emotional experience of the artwork. There's a real physicality to it, an energy that seems to burst out of the canvas. Istrati reminds me of Joan Mitchell, with his fearless approach to colour and mark-making. Both artists show us that art is an ongoing conversation, always shifting, always open to new interpretations.