Boxing Match 1980

LeRoy Neiman made this painting "Boxing Match" with a load of energy. Look at the way he’s gone to town with these brushstrokes, like he's right there in the ring, feeling every jab and uppercut. The colours, oh man, they practically vibrate! It's like Neiman slapped on this juicy yellow, teal, and orange, and the way he laid down these colours, thick and fast, you can almost smell the sweat and liniment of the boxing ring. He is not trying to hide the process. What I love is how he doesn't fuss too much with blending, leaving these raw, almost crude edges that speak volumes. Check out that little patch of yellow right at the top. It isn't just background; it’s the roar of the crowd, the flash of the lights, the whole damn spectacle. It reminds me of some of Joan Mitchell's later work, all that energy and emotion poured onto the canvas. It's not about perfection; it’s about guts, see?