The Difference Between II 2005

Basil Beattie’s ‘The Difference Between II’ is an acrylic painting that's currently hanging out at the Tate Modern. I love how Beattie isn't afraid to let his hand show, you know? The paint is laid on thick, especially in those steps. You can almost feel the texture, the way the brush dragged across the surface. The colors are muted, kind of somber, but then you get these bright pops of rust and white that just jolt you awake. Look at the drips coming off the steps. They're not trying to be realistic; they're more like a record of the painting's making. Each mark feels deliberate, like Beattie was thinking about process as much as the final image. It kind of reminds me of Brice Marden’s work, how he uses repetition and simple forms to create something that's both abstract and deeply emotional. It's not about answers, but more about the questions, the ongoing conversation between the artist and the canvas, and, eventually, us.