MASSIMODECARLO proudly presents See Above, a collection of ten unique watercolours on paper by the Dutch-born American artist Peter Schuyff.

See Above draws its inspiration from a specific piece by Schuyff housed within the MoMA collection. The title reflects the artist's witty stance on painting and art in general. When pressed for information about the work by MoMA, Schuyff's response was succinct: "See above”. He implies that understanding his art is best achieved through direct observation, devoid of unnecessary elaboration. As he humorously noted in a 1985 interview, "A woman telephoned me and asked me, ‘What are your paintings about?’ And I said, ‘Don’t worry about that now. Just be thankful they are there’”.

MOMA

2019, from Peter Schuyff Studio Archive

Schuyff's meticulous brushwork takes centre stage in See Above, overshadowing any predetermined narrative or meaning. The artistic process itself becomes a form of meditation, evoking a sense of tranquillity and introspection. Schuyff's works serve as a canvas for his unrelenting obsession with technique, aiming for a level of perfection and mathematical precision.


Echoing the ethos of the Minimalist Manifesto, Schuyff embraces the idea that "What you see is what you see." Yet, within this apparent simplicity lies a profound complexity, highlighting Schuyff's artistic prowess and dedication.


Each composition in See Above is carefully crafted, with attention to detail and a keen eye for balance. Schuyff's limited colour palette – predominantly red, yellow, blue, and occasional hints of green and orange – is not a conscious choice but rather a surrender to the painting's inherent rhythm and flow.

6

Peter Schuyff's studio, Bari