Gralee 1967

Here we see James Brooks's Gralee, an abstract expressionist composition of gestural brushstrokes. Brooks, who emerged from the New York art scene, was deeply affected by the societal shifts of the mid-20th century, including the rise of mass media and the anxieties of the Cold War. His work is a reflection of these turbulent times, often expressing a sense of disorientation and change. Brooks was initially a muralist during the WPA era, and his transition to abstract expressionism can be seen as a move away from direct representation towards a more subjective, emotional form of expression. Notice the bold use of color and dynamic composition. These elements convey energy and reflect his deep engagement with the act of painting itself. It is a move towards a modern identity and new freedoms in an ever changing world. Brooks once noted, "Painting is not separate from life. It is one." With Gralee, Brooks encapsulates a moment of personal and collective transformation, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of identity in a changing world.