Étude 1969

Simon Hantai created this large-scale painting, "Étude", using oil on canvas. The work immediately strikes you with its bold contrast: a vibrant red ground punctuated by irregular white shapes, almost leaf-like, that dominate the composition. Hantai’s method involved folding and crumpling the canvas before painting, a technique that yields these unexpected, unpainted areas. This method isn't just about the aesthetic; it's a commentary on the act of painting itself, a deconstruction of traditional approaches. By relinquishing some control to chance and process, Hantai challenges the idea of the artist as the sole creator. The visual rhythm created by the interplay of positive and negative space invites contemplation of presence and absence, form and void. The sheer scale of the work envelops the viewer, while the dynamic interplay of the red and white forms destabilizes any fixed perspective. Hantai prompts us to question the very nature of artistic creation and interpretation, reflecting a broader move towards conceptual art where the process is as vital as the product.