Geer Velde, van | Lisse, the Netherlands
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untitled, 1940-1945
gouache on paper, 19x26cmThe small work depicts a clever fusion of figuration and abstraction, focusing on the dematerialisation of form. It is rare to see an artist display the process of simplification in one painting. Separating the composition we can see that the right hand side depicts a green plane with depth and recognidable elements visible, such as the orange fruit and the shading of the surrounding area. In contrast, the left hand side, with its highly abstract and almost constructivist tendencies, would hardly be described as a still life. The distinction between the two sides of the painting can also be noted in terms of colour use; the abstracted plane has been painted in much paler colours. However, In spite of their subtle differences, both parts lock into each other effortlessly, creating a beautiful visual exchange.
One other such synthesis of abstraction and figuration can be found in the still lifes of Jan Mulder, also in the collection.
It is interesting to note that on the rear of the small still life the artist created a simple pencil drawing of a Christmas scene. This type of dualistic depiction is called a recto verso.