Zátišie before 1945

Cyprián Majerník made this still life painting, probably in the 1940s, with oil paint. Look how Majerník approaches mark making; the brushstrokes are visible, almost hurried, giving the painting a sense of immediacy. It’s like watching the artist's thoughts unfold right there on the canvas. The physicality of the medium is so present. The paint is applied in layers, thick in some spots, thin in others, creating a texture that invites you to reach out and touch it. Notice how the muted palette of greens and grays is punctuated by the single pink bloom. It’s a brave move, this small dash of color, and it creates a focal point, a moment of surprise amidst the subdued tones. And see that drippy, yellow line around the brown border? I think it’s a bit like the paintings of Chaïm Soutine, raw and emotive. Ultimately, this painting is not just a representation of a plant, it’s a record of a moment, a dialogue between the artist and his materials. It’s a reminder that art is less about what we see, and more about how we see.