Jules Atarax (1985) - SMILE

SMILE presents an enigmatic figure suspended between apparent innocence and inner unease. The frontal face, built from spontaneous gestures and powerful chromatic contrasts, immediately imposes its presence on the viewer.

The bright red circular eyes, traversed by vertical drips, become the true emotional center of the work. They evoke both the intensity of the gaze and human fragility. The mouth, reduced to a simple and almost symbolic form, contrasts with the expressive charge of the rest of the composition.

The palette combines vibrant reds, deep greens, dense blacks and luminous areas that create a constant tension between attraction and discomfort. This ambiguity is at the heart of the work: the spectator is free to see a mask, a primitive figure, an emotional self-portrait or a universal presence.

The gesture remains visible in all its spontaneity. The drips, overlays and brush marks testify to instinctive painting where the energy of the moment remains inscribed in the material.

This work is part of a démarche close to contemporary expressionism and outsider art, privileging direct emotion over academic representation.

This work ranks among the very latest canvases currently available from Jules Atarax, as the artist’s entire recent output has already been acquired, this rare availability offers the collector a privileged opportunity to acquire an original work at a stage where available production is extremely limited.

A rare opportunity before the complete disappearance of this series from the market.

His/her works are in private collections in the USA, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy.

We offer on Catawiki the latest pieces available from this period 2019-2024.

Format: 50 x 50 cm

Technique: gestural painting on canvas, oil and acrylic

Unique work