Innsbruck 1973

LeRoy Neiman made this painting ‘Innsbruck’ with explosive color and energy. I love how the image is broken down into these bold swathes, almost like he’s trying to keep up with the skier’s speed. Neiman’s paint is laid on thick, almost like frosting, and he doesn't hold back on the palette – hot pinks, icy blues, and blasts of yellow. It’s a textural feast for the eyes. Check out that splash of white at the bottom; it’s so vigorous, so physical, that it makes the whole scene burst into life. It reminds me of the gestural freedom you see in Joan Mitchell’s work. This piece isn't about capturing reality. It’s about the feeling, the rush, the raw excitement of the race. And isn’t that what art’s all about – chasing after something beyond the surface?