Last updated: 19 Dec 2024
Laundry Line
Summer 1994
Brush and paper
Watercolour
Landscape
Impressionism
View of our Donbelid house with the laundry line in the porch
1. Medium: Watercolor on paper
2. Shapes and objects: A balcony or terrace view. The foreground shows a wooden railing and floor. There are two vertical posts supporting a roof or overhang. Beyond the balcony, there's a view of trees and greenery. A clothesline with hanging garments is visible between the posts. Part of a yellow wall is seen on the left side.
3. Colours: Brown for the wooden elements of the balcony. Various shades of green for the trees and foliage. Yellow for the wall on the left. Bright orange and blue for the clothes on the line. The sky is a pale blue.
4. Narrative: This painting captures a slice of everyday life, viewed from a balcony or terrace. The hanging laundry adds a touch of domesticity and suggests the presence of inhabitants, even though no people are directly depicted. The lush greenery beyond the balcony creates a sense of connection with nature, despite being in what seems to be a residential setting. The composition invites the viewer to imagine stepping out onto this balcony, feeling the breeze, and enjoying the view. There's a sense of peace and simple pleasures in this everyday scene.
5. Original Artist: While this is an original work by Mehrdad Fahimi, the style and subject matter are reminiscent of the balcony scenes painted by Henri Matisse, particularly his works from Nice. Matisse often painted interior-exterior views that blurred the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.
However, Fahimi's use of watercolor and his more realistic approach also brings to mind some of the works of American artist Edward Hopper, known for his paintings of urban and rural scenes that often suggest a narrative.
A comparable work might be Matisse's "The Open Window" (1905), though Fahimi's painting has its own unique elements and a more contemporary feel. Matisse's works can be found in major museums worldwide, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
While Fahimi's painting is clearly his own, it seems to blend influences from both Post-Impressionism and American Realism, creating a scene that feels both familiar and freshly observed. The painting continues the tradition of finding beauty and interest in everyday views and domestic spaces.
Details
Type
artwork
Created At
09 May 2023