The artwork “Aroundfish” by Paul Klee was created in 1926. This oil painting is part of the Surrealism art movement and measures 46.3 x 64.1 cm. Although categorized as a still life, the painting encompasses a variety of elements that are characteristic of Klee’s unique style and the movement’s exploration of the unconscious mind.
In “Aroundfish,” Paul Klee presents a composition that integrates the titular fish with a variety of geometric and organic shapes, all set against a dark background that accentuates the vibrancy of the colors. The central figure of the fish is depicted within a blue oval, which could be interpreted as a plate or bowl, giving the illusion of a still life. The detailing on the fish’s scales is intricate, emphasizing texture and pattern, and the fish’s eye is rendered with care, drawing the viewer’s attention.
Surrounding the fish, one may observe a series of objects and symbols: circular forms that might suggest celestial bodies like the sun and moon, arrows pointing in different directions, and shapes that resemble flora or other natural elements. The combination of these symbols and the creature itself float in an abstract space, free from the constraints of realistic representation.
The interplay of various elements in the artwork conveys a sense of whimsy and imagination. Geometric shapes mingle with naturalistic forms, creating a dreamlike or otherworldly scene, which is a hallmark of the Surrealist movement’s objective to challenge perceptions of reality and provoke a reimagination of the world around us. Klee’s use of color is exquisite, with contrasting hues that both harmonize and create visual tension within the composition, leading to an engaging and thought-provoking piece.
