The artwork in question was created by artist Louise Bourgeois on the occasion of the Serpentine Gallery Map Marathon. As a renowned figure whose oeuvre often falls within the parameters of Confessional Art, Bourgeois’ symbolic painting presents viewers with an intimate glimpse into the psyche of the artist.
The painting consists of a linear arrangement of four amorphous forms painted in vibrant blue and red, set against a background of lined paper that evokes the feeling of a notebook or diary. The edges of each shape are outlined in a contrasting color to the fill, highlighting the irregular contours. Each form bears a central, eye-like motif, suggesting a living presence or a vigilant form of consciousness within the abstraction.
The lined paper background not only adds texture to the work but also introduces an element of order, juxtaposing the organic and seemingly spontaneous shapes. The smudges and spills of paint outside the forms convey a sense of immediacy and the raw, emotional energy characteristic of Bourgeois’ work. The artist’s signature, located at the bottom right, is subtly inscribed, making her personal mark on the piece.
Overall, the artwork can be seen as both a cartographic endeavor, mapping the contours of emotions or memories, and a symbolic narrative, revealing aspects of the artist’s inner world through color, form, and composition.
