Karel Appel (Dutch, 1921-2006)
Lying in Colors, n.d.
21.5 x 29.5 in
Lithograph on Paper
Gift of Carol Quillen, 18th President of Davidson College, and George McLendon
Lying in Colors by Karel Appel is a vibrant and captivating piece that immediately draws the viewer’s attention. The painting is bursting with bold colors, shapes, and textures, creating a sense of movement and energy. The first thing that stands out to me is the use of color, they almost feel alive. The use of various hues and tones gives the painting depth and dimension, as if the colors are flowing and shifting in front of our eyes. The brushstrokes are also a noteworthy aspect of the painting. The bold, swirling strokes add to the sense of movement in the artwork. It’s clear that a lot of thought and intention went into the creation of each brushstroke. The colors, strokes and shapes are blended together in a seemingly haphazard yet carefully crafted way, resulting in a work that is simultaneously chaotic and harmonious.
The figures in the painting are almost childlike in their simplicity, yet their expressive faces and relaxed poses evoke a sense of peace and contentment. It is as if they are basking in the vibrant world that surrounds them, lost in a state of blissful content. The abstract almost cartoon-ish forms, also adds to the whimsical and playful feel of the painting. I like how the figures are portrayed with such simplicity yet are still able to convey a sense of emotion and relaxation. I think that it is a reminder that art does not need to be overly complicated or intricate to be meaningful.
Overall, Lying in Colors is a celebration of color and form, and an excellent example of Karel Appel’s unique style. The painting invites the viewer to lose themselves in the vivid world that Appel has created, and to really appreciate the beauty of color and form.
– Oliver Poduschnick ’25
Karel Appel was a Dutch painter,sculptor and poet who was born on April 25, 1921, in Amsterdam. From 1940 to 1943 he studied at the Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam. Appel was one of the founders of the avant-garde art movement CoBrA, active during the late 1940s thru the early 1950’s. His works have been shown in galleries all around the world. Appel died on May 3, 2006, in Zurich.