Children’s Games (1959) by Rufino Tamayo

The artwork “Children’s Games” was created by Rufino Tamayo in 1959. It is an oil on canvas painting measuring 130.2 x 194.9 cm and embodies elements characteristic of Expressionism and Surrealism. The genre of the painting is figurative, capturing the essence of youthful playfulness. This piece is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, New York, United States.

Describing the artwork, one can observe a vibrant, dynamic composition characterized by gestural brushstrokes and a rich, warm color palette dominated by shades of red. Tamayo’s style blends abstract forms with figurative elements, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that evokes the imagination and spontaneity of children at play. The figures appear intertwined within the space, their bodies simplified into rounded shapes and lines that suggest movement and interaction, without providing explicit narrative details. The sense of whimsy and the ambiguity of the forms invite viewers to unravel the scene with their interpretation, reflecting the surreal quality of the work.

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