Reading Fences was a moving experience — a beautiful, deeply felt tribute not only to your father’s artistry, but to the enduring, intimate connection you share with him. You capture so eloquently the quiet power of Mitchell’s work: how it invites contemplation, how it draws the viewer in with its atmospheric sensitivity and unerring attention to detail.
I was especially struck by your reflection on how a painting like Corn Hill (Albers) lives in the mind long after the first glance — that subtle, ladder-like shadow is such a perfect metaphor for how his paintings linger, lead us somewhere, and open into something greater. You articulate the way he distills essence from each place he paints — not as a chronicler, but as someone in constant dialogue with light, shape, and memory. It’s an approach that elevates the specific into something timeless.
Your writing is more than thoughtful commentary — it’s a love letter, quiet and profound, to your father and to the life of looking that you’ve shared with him. Thank you for letting us see him through your eyes.
Such a lovely testament to your father’s beautiful works as well as his influences! I’m a relatively new fan to your dad’s work, just the past few years, and a fallen for the shadows, bridges, rooftops and landscapes. I wish that the Paris exhibit extended into July when we will take our first trip there. But perhaps one day we’ll make it to N. Truro or another exhibit! In the meantime I will continue to “stalk” (😉) him on Instagram and Substack!
Congratulations on your exhibition at Galerie Mercier in Paris. If it does not sell, I hope 'Paris (One Window)' will be in your Castle Hill Center for the Arts exhibition in Truro this fall. I like Luca's essay, too!
Wonderfully written, this took me out of busy routine and into another place and time. You have both your parents’ talents and more!
Dear Luca,
Reading Fences was a moving experience — a beautiful, deeply felt tribute not only to your father’s artistry, but to the enduring, intimate connection you share with him. You capture so eloquently the quiet power of Mitchell’s work: how it invites contemplation, how it draws the viewer in with its atmospheric sensitivity and unerring attention to detail.
I was especially struck by your reflection on how a painting like Corn Hill (Albers) lives in the mind long after the first glance — that subtle, ladder-like shadow is such a perfect metaphor for how his paintings linger, lead us somewhere, and open into something greater. You articulate the way he distills essence from each place he paints — not as a chronicler, but as someone in constant dialogue with light, shape, and memory. It’s an approach that elevates the specific into something timeless.
Your writing is more than thoughtful commentary — it’s a love letter, quiet and profound, to your father and to the life of looking that you’ve shared with him. Thank you for letting us see him through your eyes.
Chloë
Thanks, Chloë! Wish you were here!!
Such a lovely testament to your father’s beautiful works as well as his influences! I’m a relatively new fan to your dad’s work, just the past few years, and a fallen for the shadows, bridges, rooftops and landscapes. I wish that the Paris exhibit extended into July when we will take our first trip there. But perhaps one day we’ll make it to N. Truro or another exhibit! In the meantime I will continue to “stalk” (😉) him on Instagram and Substack!
This lovely essay -- thank you, Luca! -- just brightened my day. As Mitchell's paintings always do. Wish I could've zipped over to Paris for the show.
Really enjoyed this post! Agree with the comments - the dive into art history transported me!
Grazie Luca for this trip across tempi, luoghi e artisti – with so much insight into what connects them all. Bravissimo!
Grazie Ico!!!
Great essay by Luca! Please thank him for sharing his insights and "up close" observations.
Congratulations on your exhibition at Galerie Mercier in Paris. If it does not sell, I hope 'Paris (One Window)' will be in your Castle Hill Center for the Arts exhibition in Truro this fall. I like Luca's essay, too!