La bretonne 1959

Victor Brauner made "La bretonne" with paint, though when is a mystery. It’s a geometrical figure painted in a muted palette of browns, greys, and blues, built with simple shapes like a child's construction toy. I love how the texture isn't hidden. You can see the brushstrokes, feel the grit of the paint. It's not trying to fool you into thinking it's anything other than what it is: paint on canvas. See the fish shape that forms the figure's face? The way Brauner renders its mouth, just a simple, pink lozenge, it's so naive and charming. The crossed arms lead to a hint of vulnerability and defensiveness. Brauner’s work is a bit like looking at a Paul Klee painting after a strong cup of coffee, playful and unsettling. He reminds us that art doesn't always have to make sense; sometimes, it just has to make you feel.