Gold fish, Circa 2020

Anatoly Tarabanov  

Tar350 "Gold Fish" is a vibrant oil painting that captures a dynamic still life with an unexpected element of marine life. The scene is a visual feast of color, reflection, and translucence, setting a traditional subject matter against a backdrop of modern abstraction. At the heart of the composition is a clear, round fishbowl perched precariously on a table, inside of which swims a single, vividly orange goldfish. The fish is depicted with a few swift, confident strokes, its body curving with the bowl's contours, imparting a sense of movement within its confined space. The roundness of the bowl warps the backdrop, creating a dreamlike quality that bends reality within its spherical boundary. Behind the fishbowl, the background dissolves into an abstract mosaic of blues, pinks, and whites. These colors suggest a fragmented, stained-glass window, with the light diffusing through it, creating a dance of hues and shapes. This abstract treatment gives the scene a contemporary edge, playing with the idea of space and how it is perceived. On the table, an assortment of fruits and bottles adds to the traditional still life narrative. A ripe pear, an apple, and what appear to be small citrus fruits are rendered with a realism that contrasts with the abstract background. Their colors echo the goldfish, creating a visual harmony and connecting the foreground with the center of interest. A tall, empty glass stands to the right of the bowl, its transparency and the reflections within it skillfully captured. It mirrors the fishbowl, sharing the theme of glass as both a barrier and a window to another world. The foreground is a reflective surface, perhaps a polished table, where the items cast their hazy reflections. The play of light and shadow on this surface is complex, adding depth and a three-dimensional feel to the painting. "Gold Fish" combines the serenity of a traditional still life with the vitality of contemporary art. The juxtaposition of realistic elements within an abstract environment challenges the viewer's perception, making the painting a lively and thought-provoking piece. The goldfish, a symbol of prosperity and luck in some cultures, here becomes a living gem, its simple beauty enhanced by the riot of color and form that surrounds it.