The artwork titled “Freedom, I write your name” was created by the artist Fernand Leger in 1953. It can be categorized within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. This design measures 400 x 300 cm and is currently housed at the Musee National Fernand Leger in Biot, France.
The artwork is a vibrant and graphically bold composition featuring words and figurative elements. In the center of the large canvas, the French word for freedom, “Liberté,” is written in large, uppercase letters that dominate the upper portion of the work. These letters are segmented by color and form, contributing to the dynamic and fragmented appearance that is characteristic of Leger’s later work.
Surrounding the text are stylized faces or masks and geometric shapes in primary colors—red, yellow, blue—and tones of green and white. The faces are abstracted but recognizable, with one appearing on the left in yellow and another on the right in red. The presence of these faces might be seen to personify the concept of liberty, giving it a human element. The text at the bottom right of the artwork, “Je cris ton nom,” translates to “I write your name,” echoing and reinforcing the central theme of freedom proclaimed above.
The use of colors is bold and clear, exhibiting a sense of flatness that is intentionally naive, aligning it with the Primitivism movement, which often sought to depart from classical techniques to embrace a more instinctual and direct expression. Despite being rendered in a simple and direct style, the rendering of fragmented faces and vibrant color fields provide a sense of depth and complexity to the piece. Overall, the artwork communicates a powerful message of liberty through its simplistic yet emotionally resonant design.
