#04402 Xavier Valls (1923-2006)

The composition presents a still life arrangement set against a muted, indistinct background. A horizontal plane dominates the foreground, serving as a platform for the objects depicted. Here we see a cluster of what appear to be root vegetables – likely ginger – arranged in an asymmetrical pile towards the left side of the frame. Their surfaces are rendered with textured brushstrokes, suggesting both their organic form and a degree of roughness.
To the right of the ginger sits a small, cylindrical container, possibly made of metal or ceramic. It is positioned at a slight angle to the plane, adding visual interest and depth. Two slender stalks emerge from within the container, their verticality contrasting with the horizontal arrangement of the vegetables and the surface they rest upon. The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of muted greens, yellows, and grays, contributing to an overall sense of quietude and simplicity.
The artist’s technique emphasizes materiality; the tactile quality of the ginger and the reflective sheen of the container are conveyed through careful attention to light and shadow. This focus on tangible objects suggests a meditation on the everyday – a celebration of humble ingredients and their inherent beauty. The arrangement, while seemingly straightforward, evokes a sense of deliberate composition, hinting at an underlying consideration of balance and harmony.
The absence of any overt narrative elements encourages contemplation of the individual objects themselves, inviting the viewer to appreciate their form, texture, and color in isolation. The signature, discreetly placed in the lower right corner, reinforces the personal nature of this observation – a quiet record of a moment captured and rendered with careful attention.