“104 Cathedral I,” by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, created in 1951 using watercolor, is an exemplar of the Transautomatism movement and belongs to the figurative genre. The artwork presents an intricate and vivid portrayal of architectural elements, primarily focusing on a cathedral structure.
The cathedral depicted in the artwork showcases Hundertwasser’s unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and organic forms. The composition is dominated by a large, triangular green roof with intersecting lines that suggest the intricate structure of cathedral roofs. Surrounding the central figure are various geometric shapes and buildings rendered in warm tones of red, yellow, and brown, against a deep blue sky. The use of watercolor brings a fluidity to the piece, enhancing the dream-like quality often associated with Transautomatism. The combination of meticulous detail and abstract representation elicits a sense of both familiarity and fantastical imagination, hallmarking Hundertwasser’s distinctive approach to art.
