Barbarians 1985

Ken Kelly’s painting, “Barbarians” is made with acrylic on board in a style very much of its time. The smooth application and blending of color, especially in the sky, gives it a slick, airbrushed feel, reminiscent of commercial illustration from the late 20th century. The fantasy genre relies heavily on surface finish to deliver its content, and here that manifests through an extremely accomplished handling of paint. Notice how the artist meticulously renders every muscle, creating an idealized physique. This emphasis on skilled craftsmanship elevates the subject matter, lending a sense of grandeur to the scene. It’s worth noting that Kelly came to this type of work via his mentor Frank Frazetta, another master of fantasy illustration. So, while this image is not "high art" in the traditional sense, the level of skill involved is undeniable. In the end, "Barbarians" invites us to appreciate the labor and artistry involved in creating visually stunning and iconic imagery. It challenges us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of creative expression.