Claire Obscure 1987

Paul Guiragossian made this painting, called *Claire Obscure*, with thick strokes of paint in dark shades of brown, grey, and black, punctuated with bright orange and gold. Imagine him at work, layering the paint, pushing and pulling it across the surface. It's almost like he's building up these figures or forms, one after the other, like a row of standing people. Each brushstroke is a deliberate act, a small decision that contributes to the overall composition. There’s a real sense of the artist's hand in this work, you know? The texture is amazing too. The paint is so thick, it almost feels like you could reach out and touch it. This reminds me a little of some other painters I admire who layer the paint to create depth and texture. It makes me think about the conversations artists have with each other across time, influencing and inspiring each other's work. In the end, it's all about the exchange of ideas and the ongoing exploration of what painting can be.