#19011 Matias Quetglas

Here we see a still life composition rendered on what appears to be a repurposed metal tray, likely aluminum given its sheen and malleability. The artist has employed a somewhat rough, textured application of paint, suggesting a deliberate rejection of polished or idealized representation. The background is dominated by warm ochre tones, punctuated with patches of blue and green that create an uneven, almost distressed surface. This treatment lends the work a sense of immediacy and perhaps even a commentary on decay or repurposing.
The central focus is a single eggplant, depicted in relatively realistic detail despite the overall stylistic looseness. Its deep purple hue contrasts sharply against the background, drawing the viewers eye. The artist has captured its characteristic shape – elongated and slightly bulbous – with attention to the subtle variations in color across its surface. A short stem protrudes from the top, adding a touch of organic detail.
Several small, seemingly random objects are scattered around the eggplant: what appear to be pins or needles, placed almost casually on the tray’s surface. These elements introduce an element of unexpectedness and potentially symbolic weight. They could represent fragility, vulnerability, or perhaps even a sense of domesticity and everyday life.
Inscribed along the bottom edge is text in Catalan (a Catalònia lany 1975), indicating that the work was created in Catalonia in 1975. The signature Matías Querol appears alongside this inscription, providing attribution to the artist. A small label or stamp bearing a name and the year “1976” is visible on the upper left corner, adding another layer of context – perhaps indicating an exhibition or marking.
The choice of a metal tray as a canvas is significant. It suggests resourcefulness and a connection to utilitarian objects. The rough texture of the tray itself contributes to the overall aesthetic, blurring the lines between art and everyday life. The painting’s subtexts might revolve around themes of memory, place (Catalonia), time (1975-76), and the artists personal relationship with these elements. It is a work that seems to value authenticity and simplicity over conventional beauty, inviting contemplation on the ordinary and the transient.