Blue Nude Claire No. 1 2000

Tom Wesselmann made this painting called Blue Nude Claire No. 1 using oil on canvas. I can't help but think about a coloring book when I see this, and the simple pleasure of applying color to already-defined shapes. The flatness here is so unapologetic. The blue is a big presence, outlining everything with a bold confidence, like a sign painter at work. Then there's that juicy yellow, laid on thick like a buttery spread. Look at the way he handles the edges, how the colors meet without blending, creating a kind of electric hum. It’s not trying to trick you into thinking it's anything other than paint on a flat surface. There's an honesty to that simplicity. It reminds me a little of Alex Katz, but with more of a Pop punch. Ultimately, Wesselmann shows us that art can be both serious and playful, and that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is embrace the beauty of the obvious.