American Art Collaborative

In this depiction of Norway’s independence day, Langlais built an entire composition out of rooftops and flags. What are perspectivally straightforward Norwegian flags in some areas become shards, wedges, and shieldlike forms in others, insinuated among the black, red, and white houses of the city. The rhythmic interchange of pitched roofs and bold banners causes a degree of optical confusion, yet deftly conveys the day’s patriotic revelry, and binds the scene into a tight heraldic whole.