Vertical between Boats

About the work

A narrow human figure rises at the centre of a broadly open space. Repeated contours, loops and a few dense black accents construct its head, shoulders and long body. Small forms cluster against its right side. Boatlike outlines with upright silhouettes sit on either side, while long horizontal lines cross the sheet. Loose curves above suggest elongated clouds.

The figure is much taller than the peripheral elements but remains light because of the openings within its contour. The crossing of its vertical with several horizontals organises space without detailed perspective. Its lower section extends far beneath the suggested waterline, disrupting the familiar relationship between a person and a landscape. The eye travels from this elongated centre to the small episodes at the sides and back again.