The artwork titled “Tea VII” was created by the artist Jean Dubuffet in 1967. This piece is part of his renowned “Hourloupe” series and corresponds to the Art Brut movement, which embraces a raw, unrefined aesthetic often drawn from outside traditional norms of artistry. Dubuffet’s “Tea VII” falls within the genre of abstract art, eschewing direct representation for a more evocative, conceptual form.
The artwork itself exhibits a complex array of lines and patterns that coalesce into what could be perceived as a figure or a visage. The use of bold reds, blacks, whites, and hints of blue contributes to a striking contrast that defines the piece’s abstract nature. Characteristic of Dubuffet’s Hourloupe series, the composition employs a puzzle-like interlocking of forms, creating a sense of depth and rhythm that captivates the viewer’s gaze. What might be discerned as cellular or doodle-like elements are partitioned by thick, dark outlines, imbuing the artwork with a vibrant sense of movement and spontaneity.