Heaven 1967

Benny Andrews, in his painting 'Heaven', crafted a pastoral vision on a 44 x 50 cm canvas, brimming with thick daubs of paint. Imagine him, brush in hand, coaxing these forms into being, one dab at a time. There’s a lovely, awkward harmony here. The color palette is joyous but subdued—oranges, blues, and greens bloom across the landscape, giving the impression of flowers. I can imagine Andrews considering each stroke. The sky is the most perfect robin’s egg blue. And these trees—especially the central one—it’s like the paint is a metaphor for growth, for flourishing. It reminds me of Guston, but with an unmistakable lightness. The gestures speak of optimism and growth. It’s a conversation across time and canvas, each artist adding their voice to the chorus. This piece is an invitation into a world where things are a little off-kilter.