Dana South 2009

Charles Gibbons made ‘Dana South’ using paint in a square format. The making of art is always a process, right? A journey. Here, the methodical ripples of paint across the surface point to that journey, the artist's hand moving, making decisions, changing course. I love the texture in this piece! It’s not just about color; it's about touch. The paint isn't trying to hide, it’s thick and pronounced. The tool-work is a feature. Look at how the lines curve and bend, creating an almost topographical map of the canvas. There is a sense of control but also of playful exploration, a tension between order and chaos. Those little daubs of purple add a discordant note. Gibbons' work reminds me a bit of Gerhard Richter's squeegee paintings, where chance and control collide in a beautiful, messy dance. It shows us that art doesn't always need to shout; sometimes, it whispers, inviting us to lean in and listen closely.