Buddha On the Island of Patmos 2017

Alexander Roitburd painted this artwork, Buddha On the Island of Patmos, using oils, but when, who knows? There's something really interesting about the kind of brushwork here, isn't there? It feels direct, you can see the marks. It's not trying to hide itself. He's using the paint to build up the form. There is this gorgeous, almost lurid orange, that is used to describe the figure of the Buddha which contrasts with the deep blues and greys of the sky and sea, this gives the picture a slightly disturbing and otherworldly feel, it's like the figure has been superimposed on the landscape. Take a close look at the Buddha's robes. See how the paint is applied in short, deliberate strokes? Each stroke catches the light a little differently, giving the fabric a sense of movement and texture. This reminds me of Phillip Guston, who was also interested in using paint in a very tactile way to create a sense of psychological weight. And like Guston, Roitburd embraces a kind of visual imperfection that allows for ambiguity. What does it all mean? I don't know, but it sure is interesting to look at.