Samurai 2012

Alexander Roitburd made this "Samurai" painting with oil, creating a kind of visual theatre, where the paint itself is a performer. The surface is alive, isn't it? Look closely. See how the thick paint is built up in layers, almost like frosting on a cake. The brushstrokes are visible, energetic, and kind of reckless. It's like Roitburd was in a hurry to get the image down, not worried about perfection, but more interested in capturing a feeling. The colours are rich, but not traditionally harmonious. They clash and vibrate against each other, giving the whole painting an edgy, unsettled feel. Take the floral motifs adorning the Samurai's robe. They're not just decorative, they are almost like abstract shapes, tangled up with the dark, brooding ground. There's something about this combination of elegance and decay that is fascinating. Think of someone like Francis Bacon, who also found beauty in the grotesque. Ultimately, this piece isn't just about a Samurai, it's about the messy, complex business of being alive.