This piece is an entrancing abstract painting that embodies a delicate tension between bold gesture and ephemeral nuance. Rooted in the traditions of lyrical abstraction, the work presents itself as both a visual improvisation and a carefully orchestrated composition. With a predominantly empty background—a softly toned, unprimed canvas—the painting invites viewers into a spacious atmosphere where color, form, and line engage in a subtle, dynamic conversation.

The eye is immediately drawn to the powerful teal-blue form that dominates the left and center of the canvas. This dense, horizontal stroke extends from a tangled, expressive burst of color on the upper left and pushes outward to the right, like a wave or beam of energy. This central shape is layered and alive, built from rich pigments that shift from velvety deep blue to greenish tones, enhanced by splashes of turquoise and subtle purples. The texture of the paint—sometimes thick and other times misted or smeared—reveals a physicality that speaks of movement, emotion, and intent.

Surrounding this central mass is a halo of gestures—tiny dots, scratches, faint scribbles, and fluid lines that resemble threads of thought. These marks feel instinctive, as if charting the course of invisible forces. Some lines arc gently, others shoot sharply, intersecting the color fields and adding an ephemeral rhythm. Delicate use of graphite or pencil enhances the sense of immediacy, giving the impression of a sketch that’s been allowed to breathe and evolve into something more painterly.

A constellation of smaller color accents punctuates the composition and balances the dominant blue. In the upper left, hints of magenta and rose-pink blend with the teal, creating a dreamy, almost cosmic interplay. Small, concentrated drops of red emerge unexpectedly—one vertical drip of intense vermilion-orange appears near the bottom of the canvas, echoing a heart or ember. To the right, a burst of sky blue fans outward with translucent softness, contrasting the dense, saturated areas and adding a sense of openness and light.

Despite its abstract nature, the painting evokes strong associations—natural forms, landscapes, even bodily or atmospheric sensations. The thick blue stroke might be read as a river, a limb, or a passage of wind, while the finer details resemble pollen, ash, or nervous pathways. Yet nothing is fixed. Casati invites viewers to move through the painting with their own interpretations, emphasizing sensation over narrative.

One of the most compelling aspects of Numero 197 is its balance between freedom and precision. The apparent spontaneity of drips, splashes, and scratches is counterbalanced by careful compositional control. The central structure is bold, but it never overwhelms the surrounding quietude. The negative space—vast and contemplative—plays as crucial a role as the painted areas. It gives the work breath, a sense of silence that resonates like a pause in music.

Casati’s technique, combining drawing and painting, wet and dry media, reveals a sensitivity to materials and gesture. His practice appears both meditative and immediate, resulting in a surface that is at once raw and refined. There is no overworking here—each mark feels necessary, each color carefully placed.

The artwork offers a visual experience that is deeply poetic. It speaks in a language of movement, space, and emotion. It doesn’t demand understanding but rather encourages quiet reflection. Casati’s work here is a testament to the power of abstraction to evoke feeling and to make the invisible—vibration, breath, tension—visible.