In 1919, the poet and friend of the artist Juan Gris (admired by Caulfield), Pierre Reverdy, stated,
"The logic of a work of art is in its structure...The moment the ensemble holds together and is balanced, it is logical."
This logic that Caulfield incorporates expertly into his prints, entices the audience along a journey of association and signification. Leading to the provocation of reflection on the emotions that his works arouse. Through his perfect understanding of composition as well as this reproduction of the mundane, everyday objects that we'd normally take for granted, Caulfield provides a strong feeling of irony in his prints.
The manner through which he portrays melancholy with such bright and exuberant shapes and colours prompts one to really question the intentions of the artist. This simplicity and refinement exhibited in the context of Caulfield's work makes you challenge the preexisting ideas and thoughts you may have relating to the often unimportant and inanimate objects that he decides as his subject matter. Providing a much greater sense of depth and introspection to something that a viewer may once have turned a blind eye to.
I'm keen to emulate this form provocation in the imagery for my story book. Obviously not in the same way as Caulfield; it wouldn't quite work for a children's publication. However, I look to gain an understanding of the simplicities of shape and colour to the extent that I'm able to refine the imagery enough so that it still conveys clear elements of the story whilst simultaneously providing a space for the audience to disappear down a bit of a mental tangent and thus provide themselves with a unique personal understanding of the narrative.
