Smoking Cherries by Jean Dubuffet

Smoking Cherries - Jean Dubuffet -

Artwork Information

TitleSmoking Cherries
ArtistJean Dubuffet
Art MovementExpressionism

About Smoking Cherries

The artwork titled “Smoking Cherries” is a creation of Jean Dubuffet, an artist renowned for his contributions to the Expressionism movement. This still life rendering is an exemplification of his distinctive approach, wherein he explores forms and figures using an abstract and expressive style that deviates significantly from the precise and realistic depictions of traditional still life subjects.

Upon examination of “Smoking Cherries,” one is immediately struck by the abstract and fragmented composition, which is characteristic of Dubuffet’s avant-garde style. The artwork employs thick, textured brushstrokes, and a muted palette dominated by earthy tones and shades of gray. The piece resists immediate interpretation, challenging the viewer to engage with the amalgamation of shapes and object representations.

The central area of the canvas appears to depict a bowl of cherries, which are presented in a stylized and abstract manner. The cherries seem to contort and intertwine, suggesting movement and perhaps the titular ‘smoking’ — a playful, surrealistic touch. Around this, the presence of various abstracted objects and figures adds to the complexity of the composition. The background and surrounding elements are geometric and fragmented, further emphasizing the Expressionist tendency to prioritize emotional expression over representational accuracy.

Dubuffet’s work in “Smoking Cherries” is indicative of his broader artistic philosophy, which often involved a raw and primitive aesthetic. This approach aimed at tapping into a more authentic and visceral mode of visual communication, one that could express the human condition in a manner unencumbered by traditional artistic conventions. The artwork exhibits a tension between recognition and abstraction, creating an engaging dynamic for the observer.

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