The artwork “The Sunblind” by Juan Gris, dated 1914, is a quintessential example of the Synthetic Cubism art movement. Measuring 92 by 72.5 centimeters, this still life is part of the collection housed at Tate Modern in London, UK. The style and genre reflect the period’s interest in abstract forms and the deconstruction of reality into geometric shapes.
“The Sunblind” features a complex arrangement of planes and shapes that suggest various objects and elements through both color and form. Dominant in the composition is what appears to be a fragment of a Venetian blind, rendered in a golden hue with contrasting vertical stripes, providing a sense of depth and texture. Adjacent to this element, the artwork juxtaposes flat areas of color with wood grain textures and a piece of a newspaper, integrating text and typography into the composition. The newspaper’s masthead “LE SOCIALISTE” is clearly visible, hinting at Gris’s engagement with contemporary issues and the integration of real-world elements into the abstract framework of Cubism.
Gris’s use of papier collé, or pasted paper, as well as his careful arrangement of shapes and shades, exhibits a refined and thoughtful approach to structure and balance within the canvas. This technique emphasizes the synthetic aspect of the Cubist movement, where instead of dissecting objects into fragmented components, it builds up the composition from various elements to suggest the whole. The subdued color palette, primarily consisting of browns, blues, and golds, imparts a harmonious and contemplative atmosphere, inviting the viewer to decipher the interplay between reality and abstraction.
