André Masson’s, Battle of Fishes

André Masson’s, Battle of Fishes, 1926, gives the viewer a look into a piece of art that captures insinuated automatism through a surrealist perspective of pure gestural abstract expression. This mixed media artwork encompasses sand, gesso, dripped oil paint, pencil and charcoal on canvas, 36.2 x 73 cm. The synthesis of multiple mediums engages the viewer to travel within the piece to uncover all hidden aspects. There is a trance-like quality to the art as the gestural line work appears scattered and at the same time, cohesive. Although it may seem random, there is a sense of balance. The applied sand medium on the canvas appears diagonal from one another, evoking a symmetrical feel. The sand medium in the left top corner heightens the background, possibly depicting a distant sand dune, creating a withdrawn setting and sense of dimension. The free-flowing gestural line-work portrays fish in a state of confusion that also encompasses a balanced rhythm. The negative space within the work brings attention to the sharp, dispersed drawings and unique shapes in the foreground. There is a neutral palette with sharp hints of red – possibly representing blood. The artwork embraces a circular motion as the methodology of line work and different applied mediums encourage the viewer to continue searching within Battle of the Fishes. The multitude of mediums creates depth and provides the observer with a layered Surrealist approach to contextualizing Masson’s hidden agenda.