“The Skiing Lesson” is an abstract work of art created by Joan Miró in 1966. This artwork embodies the principles of Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism, movements with which Miró is closely associated. Abstract in genre, the piece reflects Miró’s distinctive style and his experimentation with form, color, and line.
The artwork consists of a dynamic composition with a variety of shapes and colors set against a textured grey background that resembles a wall or a chalkboard. The palette includes primarily primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—accented with green, black, and orange, which are signature to Miró’s works. Forms in the artwork include curved lines, abstracted figures, and geometric shapes. The spatial relationship between these elements is fluid and appears spontaneous, suggesting the subconscious influence of Surrealism.
There are black lines that seem to sketch outlines of figures or objects, evoking a sense of motion or activity, as though they are characters in a strange, dream-like narrative. Some shapes are filled in with solid colors, while others are outlined, leaving the background visible. Circles, crescents, and eye-like motifs recur, lending the artwork a whimsical and enigmatic quality. Despite the abstract nature of the artwork, it invites the viewer to decipher possible symbols or to find meaning amidst the playful chaos of its elements.
