#42838 Charles Demuth

The composition presents a still life arrangement rendered in a stark, geometric style. A potted plant dominates the central space, its dark green leaves rising vertically and sharply against a pale background. The pot itself is a vibrant red, contrasting with the muted tones of the surrounding elements. Below the plant, a collection of fruit – primarily lemons or similar citrus fruits – is arranged on a draped blue cloth. These forms are simplified into angular shapes, lacking any realistic detail.
Superimposed over this scene, in bold, vertical lettering, is the word FEEKO. The letters are rendered in red and positioned at an oblique angle, disrupting the visual harmony of the still life and introducing a layer of textual complexity. A single letter “C” appears on the left side, also in red, seemingly disconnected from the main inscription.
The painting’s subtexts appear to revolve around themes of commercialism and commodification. The prominent display of FEEKO suggests an advertisement or branding exercise, transforming everyday objects – a plant and fruit – into marketable items. The jarring placement of the text disrupts any sense of natural beauty or tranquility typically associated with still life paintings. It implies a forced imposition of value onto organic forms.
The color palette is deliberately limited, emphasizing the contrast between the red lettering/pot, the dark green foliage, and the pale background. This restricted range contributes to the painting’s overall feeling of artificiality and detachment. The sharp angles and geometric shapes further reinforce this sense of constructedness, distancing the viewer from any emotional connection with the depicted objects.
The isolated C could be interpreted as a fragment, hinting at an incomplete or fractured system – perhaps suggesting that even the branding itself is flawed or unstable. Overall, the work conveys a critical commentary on consumer culture and the reduction of natural elements to mere commodities.