Man Woman 1963

Allen Jones made this painting, Man Woman, with thick strokes of oil on canvas. It looks like he started with the idea of figures, but then let the paint have its own way, almost like the figures are dissolving or reforming right before our eyes. I can imagine Allen Jones standing in front of the canvas, thinking about all those other artists who have tried to capture figures, from ancient sculptures to pop art screen prints. The bright colors – yellows, reds, blues – feel like a challenge to the art world, like he's saying, "Let’s not be so serious, let’s have some fun!" And look at the way he’s handled the paint, especially where the jacket stretches out. The gesture becomes the subject, a move echoed by other artists, like Francis Bacon and Philip Guston. Allen Jones throws his hat into the ring with an idea of how painting can capture and convey a feeling. It's all part of the conversation.