Untitled 1952

James Brooks made this painting in 1952 with what looks like bold strokes of acrylic, a dance between intention and accident. There’s a real sense of play here, as the colours and shapes collide and intermingle. The material quality of this painting is really striking. The colours, browns, blacks, whites, and blues, sit both on top of and beneath each other, creating depth and a sense of movement. Look at the bottom left, there is a beautiful splash of blue that suggests a sense of spontaneity, a willingness to let the paint do its thing. The brushwork is loose and gestural, almost like a calligraphic dance across the surface. It reminds me a little of Franz Kline in its bold, confident marks, but with a lighter touch, a sense of airiness. Ultimately, a painting like this reminds us that art is not just about the finished product, but about the journey, the process of discovery, and the ongoing dialogue between artist and material.