Description
Yves Tanguy, one of the most prominent references of surrealism, offers us in his work "Extinction of useless lights" (1927) a deep exploration of the absurd and the dreamlike, characteristic of his visionary style. The painting, which is part of the surreal context, stands out not only for its technique but also for its ability to evoke emotions and reflections on the existence and perception of reality.
The composition of "extinction of useless lights" is marked by its almost abstract structure and the organic disposition of unusual forms that appear to grow from the bottom of the canvas to a nebular infinity. Tanguy uses a predominantly terrestrial palette, where ocher, brown and gray predominate, but are encouraged by touches of a soft and greenish blue that provide a feeling of depth and other worlds. This combination of colors creates an evocative environment, almost one landscape of another planet, where the viewer feels immersed in a peculiar universe that challenges conventional logic.
Among the first impressions when observing the work, it highlights the lack of human figures or explicit characters, which seems to reflect an intention of Tanguy to explore loneliness and introspection. The forms present in the painting can be interpreted as vestiges of an existence in a forgotten or decline space, insinuating that the "useless lights" represent more than simple illuminations; They are symbols of ideas, emotions or even life that have ceased to be relevant. In this way, the title itself invites a meditation on the meaning of what is considered useful or significant within human experience.
As in many other works by Tanguy, his soft and precise brushstroke technique, combined with detail attention, offers a world that seems to be in a state of imminent transformation. Tentative shadows and subtle lights that play on the surface exaggerate this sense of imminent movement, while the general composition suggests a space where time and permanence have been blurred. The use of biomorphic and abstract figures, almost skeletal, adds a disturbing dimension to the work, suggesting the fragility of the existence and inevitability of change.
Tanguy is inspired by dreams and surreal visions, developing its own pictorial language that relates to other works of the time. When contemplating "useless lights", it is possible to establish connections with contemporary works such as Salvador Dalí or Max Ernst, although each artist grow their own approach and aesthetics. Tanguy's work is unique in his way of generating enveloping atmospheres and in his predisposition to cover a sense of vacuum, of loss, which seems to be dialogue with the human condition.
"Extinction of useless lights" is not merely a visual representation, but a portal towards a space where realities intersect with fantasy and where existential concerns that defined the twentieth century can be appreciated. In it, Tanguy does not offer us answers; Rather, it invites us to contemplate the ephemeral nature of existence, the passage of time and what we leave behind. Through his exceptional mastery in painting, Tanguy manages to capture, in an instant suspended, the essence of the lights that, although useful, in the end they are extinguished in the vast darkness of oblivion.
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