Composition

Antoni Clavé, (Barcelona 1913 - 2005). Oil and paper painting on canvas, Composition by Antoni Clavé (Barcelona 1913 - 2005), 1960. An almost abstract collage using brown paper against dark blue ground, highlighted in shades of blue and white, possibly portraying the shape of a fish. Narrow fabric slip, black and gold painted frame. This work is not completely abstract. Other similar works produced at this time were entitled ‘Deux Poisson’ and ‘Poisson au fond Rouge’ and it may well be that this work had a similar original title. The background is dark enough to evoke night or the depths of the sea. Against this background, the brilliant blues and startling light appear luminous. Brown parcel paper has been torn and stuck onto the canvas. The apparent figure of a fish has the appearance of being fossilised. Clave’s early career as designer of weekly cinema posters and advertising posters led to his service as a draughtsman for the Republican government during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). Fleeing to France in 1939, Clave was not to visit Spain again until 1954, and it was around this time that his paintings became more abstract – like this ‘Composition’ – and he started exploring with texture and scraps of materials in his work. Dudmaston, Shropshire (Accredited Museum)