Offensive Colors

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on January 25, 2013 at 5:27pm

Curator’s Comment:

 

Classical anatomical handling and graduated chiaroscuro works well with these allegorical narratives.  I like the strong use of conflicting complementary hues in this piece- the vibrant red box the female figure clutches (a Monopolized hotel?) is the epitome of expanding consumer materialism and avarice.  The lush color provides an intriguing depth that suggests a theatrical stage presence. I also really like the presence of the large, animated game pieces.  The dog, which can be a traditional symbol of fidelity or loyalty, sits idly by for the display of greed.  The contorted male figure is an interesting character- a mechanism perhaps to help deliver her coveted acquisitions, or the absolute embodiment of chance.  The thrusting compositional diagonals of their arms indicate conflict in their hungry state, but the shackled neck of the central player reminds the viewer that human insatiability is a prison of sorts. The painting entitled Offensive Colors is actually my favorite in the grouping. It is quite humorous, but also curious in its more rigid handling of the figures.  They seem to flatten out in the space- more caricatures of suburban neighbors than candid human subjects.  The triangular slice of neon blue sky formally balances the burst of activity and hostility on the right half of the composition, but more importantly, implies that the “beige world” being thrust upon the offender is not the natural state.