The artwork “Composition” by Joan Miró, dated 1933, is an abstract oil on canvas that typifies the Surrealist movement. It measures 130 by 162 centimeters and is currently housed in the Kunstmuseum Bern in Bern, Switzerland. The genre of this painting is abstract, which is evident in its form and execution.
The artwork is characterized by a dynamic array of forms and colors against a muted background that shifts in color from a deep blue at the bottom to an indistinct green-gray at the top. The composition is unbound by representational accuracy, and instead, it captures the essence of Surrealism through spontaneous, organic shapes that suggest a dream-like reality. The interplay of contrasting colors, such as the vibrant reds and stark whites, creates a visual rhythm across the canvas. There are a number of whimsical, amorphous shapes and lines that invite the viewer’s interpretation. Each element seems to float independently, yet there seems to be an underlying connectivity that holds the composition together, enticing the onlooker to explore the various forms and the possible symbolism within this enigmatic tableau. As with much of Miró’s work, there is a sense of playfulness and a departure from the conventional, which allows the artwork to resonate with the imagination and subconscious mind of the viewer.
