Jean Hélion Cabbage story
Sometimes, artists find inspiration in unexpected places, becoming captivated by everyday objects—even something as simple as cabbage.
For Jean Hélion, the instant he saw ‘Cabbage under Skylight’ was truly unexpected. That was an encounter that would later become one of the happiest of his life. While some may find it eccentric, for him, it was a moment of sheer liberation. To him, the cabbage represented revolution. After all, isn’t it fascinating how a rose and a cabbage express the same essence through different colors and tastes? He painted cabbage with the same care and love as he did his roses.
Discovering beauty in the everyday is a genuine superpower.
Jean Hélion Emile
Art critics thrive on interpretations; without context, the true artistic message can be obscured. It’s important to talk directly with artists to understand their work, but sometimes they miss the mark.
Take “Emile” by Jean Hélion. New York critics interpreted the men with hats, as portraying the artist, as a fugitive. In reality, Hélion’s struggle with painting eyes left him in a bit of a bind. Initially stunned, he has since learned to take such interpretations in his creative advance.
It’s a gentle reminder that art isn’t solely about what you see. It’s also about the ongoing conversation between the artist, critic, and audience that brings its essence to life.
Ellsworth Kelly EWHITE OVER BLACK III
Children’s view of the world is a delightful mystery. During one of my visits in a museum with my young art lover, he pointed at a painting and said: ‘Mum, there’s nothing on this painting.’ At first, I was surprised, but then I burst into laughter. “There’s a whole story hidden in there,” I reassured him with a smile.
And here in front of us stood Ellsworth Kelly’s majestic “White over Black III”. Let’s explore! Kelly aimed for simplicity. He used only two colors—white and black—to keep things straightforward. By layering white over black, he created a striking contrast that grabs your attention like a magnet. And he succeeded. We weren’t the only ones who stood up, staring puzzled in front of the canvas.
Kelly explored how colors interact. Despite its simplicity, his painting is packed with an emotional punch. The clash between white and black makes you contemplate without needing to spot familiar shapes. He believed art should speak to everyone, so he kept it basic. Black and white have a timeless air and speak a universal language.
So, “White Over Black III” isn’t just a painting—it’s Kelly’s way of sharing his minimalist philosophy. It’s a mesmerizing interplay of shapes, colors, and emotions. Whenever I see Kelly’s work, I feel invited to explore the world with wonder and sensitivity, engaging all my senses.
Auguste Renoir “Bal du moulin de la Galette”
The iconic painting “Bal du moulin de la Galette” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir caused a sensation at Sotheby’s in New York City. The auction, held in May 1990, fetched an astounding winning bid of $78.1 million USD!
The fortunate buyer, Japanese entrepreneur Ryoei Saito, also acquired van Gogh’s masterpiece, “Portrait of Dr. Gachet,” during the same event for $82.5 million USD. But here’s where it gets interesting: Saito caused quite a commotion when he announced his intention to be cremated with both paintings upon his death.
Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced Saito to part with the beloved “Bal du moulin de la Galette.” The painting was later sold confidentially to an undisclosed Swiss collector. Now it’s on display at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Soon, it’ll journey to the National Gallery in Washington, DC, as part of the most exciting exhibition this year: ‘Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism
Cloude Monet’s ‘Meules’ Breaks Auction Records
Claude Monet’s 1890 painting “Meules” (also known as “Haystacks”) recently grabbed attention once again, closing with a final bid of $35 million at Sotheby’s in New York, USA, on May 15, 2024. This just confirmed his status as one of the priciest artists in the world.
What’s fascinating is how Monet shattered records, when another painting from the series sold for an astonishing $110.7 million at Sotheby’s in New York, USA, on May 14, 2019. This sale not only set a new world record for Monet but also made “Meules” the most valuable Impressionist work of art ever sold at auction. It was the first time an Impressionist piece surpassed $100 million!
What’s even more incredible is that this jaw-dropping price was 44 times higher than what the painting fetched in its previous auction back in 1986. Monet’s capability for capturing light and atmosphere continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.
