Quinlan 1972

James Brooks made "Quinlan" using oil paint, though it's not dated we can assume this was sometime in the mid-late 20th century. Brooks' approach feels so intuitive! The shapes and colours almost look like they've been knocked together, and yet they're so purposeful. What I find fascinating is the way Brooks handles the paint. Look at the layering - you can see the history of each stroke, each decision, left visible on the canvas. Take that thin blue stroke cutting across the solid black form. It’s like a tiny little rupture, a moment of pure impulsive energy. And that red; it’s almost visceral. I am reminded of Philip Guston by the boldness of colour and mark, but somehow this feels more joyful, more willing to embrace imperfection. Art's like a big conversation, isn't it? Brooks seems to say that ambiguity isn't a flaw but a feature!