Let’s discover… the work of Ràfols-Casamada

Albert Ràfols Casamada, 1984

Acrylic and pigments on canvas

The first step to understanding and enjoying a work of art is to observe it calmly and get an overview. We suggest you watch it carefully for a couple of minutes.

What is the first feeling or thought that comes to your mind? What does it make you think of? Do you know for sure what the author wants to represent?

In this piece, the title helps us a lot to finish positioning ourselves, but so that its name does not condition you, we suggest that you do not watch it yet. Look at the picture again and try to answer the following questions.

What colors predominate in this painting? What colors is the artist playing and experimenting with?

Ràfols-Casamada really likes to research about color and, in particular, has a great interest in blue. Notice that he uses many different shades of this color.

What do these blues convey to you? What do they make us feel?

The artist really likes to play with colors that convey calm, serenity, peace.

There are more elements that help us understand what these blues can represent. Start by looking at the brushstroke, especially the one that uses the color white. Watch how it wiggles.

What can the touches of white and blues, mauve, and violets) represent together in this moving brushstroke? What element of nature has a blue surface that moves and splashes? Click here to discover it.

Now it’s time, let’s discover the title of the piece. Ràfols-Casamada named it L’Estany (pond).

Does it correspond to what you had imagined at the beginning?

What sensations does a pond, a swimming pool or the calm sea convey to you?