#11854 Raymond Daussy (1918-)

The composition presents a peculiar and unsettling scene, dominated by a sense of enclosure and submerged reality. Here we see a man in formal attire standing within a doorway framed by deep red, which acts as a focal point against the surrounding darkness. He holds aloft a small flame, its light barely penetrating the gloom. The space he occupies seems to be an interior chamber, defined by dark, textured walls that suggest confinement or perhaps a subterranean environment.
Above him, suspended in what appears to be an aqueous expanse, swim three fish. Their presence is jarring and defies conventional expectations of spatial logic; they occupy a seemingly limitless void within the enclosed room. The fish are rendered with considerable detail, their scales catching the faint light, contributing to a sense of uncanny realism amidst the surreal setting.
To the left, partially obscured by shadow, lies a circular form – a metallic or reflective surface that adds another layer of ambiguity to the scene. Its purpose and relationship to the other elements remain unclear, furthering the paintings enigmatic quality.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of deep blues, blacks, and the intense red of the doorway. This limited range contributes to a somber and oppressive atmosphere. The darkness that pervades much of the canvas creates a sense of mystery and unease, while the single source of light – the flame held by the man – highlights his isolation and vulnerability.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of transition, confinement, and the disruption of natural order. The doorway could represent a threshold between states of being or levels of consciousness. The fish, as symbols often associated with spirituality, transformation, or the subconscious, suggest an intrusion of the unseen into the tangible world. Their presence in an enclosed space implies that these elements are not external but rather reside within the individuals inner landscape. The man’s posture and expression convey a sense of quiet contemplation, perhaps suggesting a confrontation with something profound and unsettling. Ultimately, the work invites interpretation as a visual metaphor for psychological exploration or a commentary on the boundaries between reality and perception.