Shadow Jumper, 2007 2007

Richard Hambleton made this painting, Shadow Jumper, in 2007 using paint and probably a brush, or maybe just his hands. The contrast is stark, a blood red ground with these splatters and strokes of black. It makes me think about the immediacy of art-making, the pure physical act of applying paint to a surface. Looking closely, you can almost feel the movement of Hambleton's hand as he created this image. The paint is thin in places, allowing the red underneath to peek through, while in other areas, it's thick and opaque, creating a sense of depth. See how these drips are so delicate? And what about that big blot in the center? It’s like a Rorschach test, a moment of pure emotion captured on canvas. I’m reminded of the work of Franz Kline, the way he fearlessly threw black paint onto white canvas. There’s something so raw and honest about this type of art, a refusal to be polite or restrained. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be pretty, sometimes it can be messy, chaotic, and full of feeling.