Sur fond noir

Sur fond noir (On Black Background) is a tapestry after Vassily Kandinsky, woven at the Atelier Tabard in Aubusson. The work reflects his later period, where structure gives way to more fluid, organic forms and color becomes the primary vehicle for expression.

The composition is centered around a cluster of biomorphic shapes that appear suspended against a deep black field. These forms are soft and irregular, resisting clear definition. Rather than referencing specific objects, they suggest movement and growth—something closer to a living system than a fixed image.

There is no clear orientation. The composition floats, without a stable ground or horizon, allowing the eye to move freely across the surface. This absence of hierarchy gives the work a sense of weightlessness, where forms seem to drift rather than sit in place.

Color is handled with restraint. Pale blues, greens, and pinks are layered carefully within the central mass, creating subtle transitions rather than sharp contrasts. Against the black background, these tones appear more luminous, holding their presence without becoming overly saturated.

Within the larger shapes, smaller patterns and details emerge on closer viewing. These elements add density without disrupting the overall calm of the composition, creating a balance between surface complexity and visual clarity.

The translation into tapestry requires precision, particularly in maintaining the softness of the palette against the dark ground. The weaving preserves this balance, allowing the composition to remain legible while introducing a tactile depth.

Sur fond noir is quiet but deliberate—less about structure, more about atmosphere—where color, form, and space are held in careful equilibrium.