It Fits 1955 by Forrest Bess
It Fits
The Enigmatic Symbolism of Forrest Bess' "It Fits"
Forrest Bess' 1955 painting "It Fits" stands as a compelling example of the artist's unique visual language, blending abstract forms with deeply personal symbolism. Created during a period of intense artistic exploration, this work reflects Bess' fascination with Jungian psychology and his quest to visualize the subconscious. The painting's title suggests a moment of revelation or resolution, hinting at the artist's belief in the interconnectedness of all things.
Bess, often working in isolation on the Texas coast, developed a distinctive style that set him apart from his Abstract Expressionist contemporaries. "It Fits" exemplifies his approach to composition, where carefully balanced forms seem to emerge from and retreat into the canvas. The Smithsonian American Art Museum notes how Bess' works often incorporate symbolic elements that reflect his interest in alchemy and hermetic traditions, visible in the carefully arranged shapes that dominate this painting.
Forrest Bess and the Visionary Tradition
Forrest Bess occupies a unique position in American art, bridging Abstract Expressionism with a deeply personal visionary tradition. His work from the mid-1950s, including "It Fits," represents the culmination of his artistic development, where he fully embraced his distinctive symbolic vocabulary. Unlike many of his contemporaries who focused on pure abstraction or emotional expression, Bess sought to create visual manifestations of his inner visions and psychological insights.
This period in Bess' career was marked by intense productivity and artistic confidence. He had developed a system of symbols that he believed possessed universal meaning, drawing from his studies of Carl Jung's theories of the collective unconscious. The careful arrangement of forms in "It Fits" demonstrates his mature approach to composition, where each element appears precisely placed yet maintains a sense of organic growth.
The painting's title suggests Bess' belief in the fundamental rightness of his symbolic arrangements, as if the composition itself were a visual proof of some deeper truth.
The Composition and Technique of "It Fits"
Balanced Asymmetry
Bess employs a carefully calculated asymmetry in "It Fits," creating a sense of dynamic equilibrium. The larger forms on the left appear to counterbalance the smaller, more numerous shapes on the right, establishing a visual rhythm across the canvas. This compositional approach draws the viewer's eye through the painting, encouraging close examination of each symbolic element.
Layered Symbolism
The painting demonstrates Bess' characteristic technique of building up layers of meaning through symbolic forms. Each shape in "It Fits" appears to serve multiple purposes - functioning both as an abstract compositional element and as a carrier of potential meaning. The artist's use of outline and flat color creates a sense of depth while maintaining the painting's essentially two-dimensional nature.
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View Print DetailsDisplaying "It Fits" in Your Space
The balanced composition and symbolic forms of "It Fits" make it particularly well-suited for contemporary interiors. The painting's 30×40 cm (12×16") dimensions allow it to serve as either a focal point in smaller spaces or as part of a gallery wall arrangement. Consider placing this work in a study or meditation space where its symbolic content can be contemplated, or in a living area where it can spark conversation about its intriguing forms.
The painting's palette of earth tones and muted colors complements a wide range of interior styles. In Scandinavian-inspired spaces, the work's organic forms and restrained color scheme create a harmonious visual dialogue with minimalist furnishings. For more eclectic interiors, "It Fits" provides a grounding element that can tie together diverse decorative elements through its carefully balanced composition.
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Sources & Further Reading
- Smithsonian American Art Museum. "Forrest Bess: Seeing Things Invisible." americanart.si.edu
- The Art Story. "Abstract Expressionism Movement Overview." theartstory.org
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