Femme

Femme is a tapestry after Albert Gleizes, based on his 1916 composition and woven at Atelier Boccara. The work reflects an early and decisive moment in his Cubist practice, where the human figure is restructured through geometry rather than described through observation.

The composition is built from intersecting planes that define the figure without outlining it in a traditional way. Angled forms—triangles, diagonals, and vertical segments—overlap to suggest the presence of a seated figure. Rather than presenting a single viewpoint, these elements shift across the surface, allowing multiple aspects of the form to exist at once.

Facial features are reduced and embedded within this structure. Hints of an eye, nose, and jawline appear briefly before dissolving back into the composition. This partial visibility reinforces the idea that the figure is constructed through movement and perception rather than fixed representation.

Color remains controlled and grounded. Greys, blacks, and muted ochres dominate the palette, creating a stable field against which the lighter forms of the figure emerge. The contrast is measured, allowing the composition to hold together without relying on strong separation.

The lower section introduces a more repetitive rhythm, where parallel lines and patterned segments suggest the folds of fabric or the positioning of the body. These elements anchor the composition, giving it a sense of weight and continuity.

Femme is structured and direct. It reduces the figure to its essential components, using rhythm and geometry to create a composition that is both fragmented and cohesive.