Brownie, Sunny, Dave, and Al by Al Loving

Brownie, Sunny, Dave, and Al after 1972

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gouache

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natural stone pattern

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abstract painting

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water colours

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painted

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possibly oil pastel

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underpainting

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painting painterly

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watercolour bleed

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watercolor

Dimensions: overall: 442 × 337.2 cm (174 × 132 3/4 in.)

Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0

Al Loving's mixed media artwork presents us with a vibrant interplay of geometric forms and flowing ribbons of dyed fabric. These shapes, arranged with an almost improvisational energy, recall the patterns of quilts and textiles. The arrangement hints at a deeper cultural memory, echoing the abstract symbolism found in various forms of folk art across the globe. This intentional manipulation of textiles and geometric shapes harkens back to ancient traditions where fabric was not merely utilitarian but also a carrier of stories, beliefs, and cultural identity. Think of the woven tapestries that adorned medieval castles or the intricate patterns of tribal rugs, each telling a silent story through abstract symbols. Here, Loving is tapping into a collective, subconscious recognition of the power of pattern and material, engaging viewers on a primal level. This symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings across time, reminding us that the threads of history are forever intertwined.

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