Thresh Hold 1992

Benny Andrews made this painting and collage, Thresh Hold, on paper using paint and fabric. It’s interesting how the surface almost feels built, layers of paint mixing with fabric to create something new. Look closely, and you'll see a tension between flatness and depth. In the face, see how the paint seems to build up to a plane of color, interrupted by the horizontal pattern at the top. Then there are the eyes staring out. The material handling is also really beautiful, the way the white paint of the dress almost crumbles into the paper. It feels very physical, like the paint has a weight of its own. Andrews' work reminds me a little of Bob Thompson, who used color and form in a similarly expressive way. But Andrews has his own distinct voice, one that speaks to the complexities of identity, memory, and representation. It’s a conversation that continues to evolve.