Peinture à trois éléments

Peinture à trois éléments (Painting with Three Elements) is a tapestry after Albert Gleizes, based on a 1925 composition and woven at Atelier Boccara. The work reflects a more developed phase of his Cubist practice, where structure is no longer tied to subject, but organized through rhythm and balance.

The composition is built around three distinct groupings of forms. Each cluster carries its own direction—vertical, circular, or diagonal—creating a dynamic interaction across the surface. Rather than competing, these elements gradually resolve into a unified arrangement, giving the composition a sense of equilibrium.

Circular forms play a central role. Arcs and rounded shapes guide the eye in a continuous motion, creating a looping rhythm that prevents the composition from feeling static. This sense of movement is reinforced by overlapping planes that shift forward and backward without relying on traditional depth.

Darker tones—charcoal, deep brown, and muted grey—are used to structure the space. These areas sit behind lighter planes, allowing ochres and soft whites to move forward. The effect is subtle, creating a layered surface without disrupting the clarity of the overall design.

Compared to earlier works, the composition feels more stable. The forms are still fragmented, but they are more evenly distributed, allowing the eye to settle into a steady progression across the tapestry.

Peinture à trois éléments is precise and controlled. It presents a system where movement, balance, and structure are fully integrated, resulting in a composition that feels both active and resolved.