Seated Woman 1963

Charles Alston made this “Seated Woman” painting with oil on canvas, and it feels like a conversation with form and fluidity. Look at how Alston uses these broad strokes of black, white, and muted yellows and greens to define the figure. The paint isn't trying to hide anything; it's thick in places, almost sculptural, revealing the touch of the artist. It's like he's building the woman out of pure feeling, not just observation. Take a look at the torso; the curves are suggested with confident strokes, where negative space plays with solid form. There's something about the way he’s laid down each mark, that reminds me of work by Bob Thompson. Both had this way of embracing ambiguity. It invites multiple readings and leaves plenty of room for interpretation.