Goliath 1990

Ken Kelly painted Goliath, and it looks like he wielded his brushes with a real flair for drama, all dense foliage and snarling beasts. You can almost feel the tension radiating off the canvas. The physicality of the scene is undeniable; the colors feel thick and saturated. The way Kelly renders the fur on both animals is wild, almost every strand visible. It's like he’s inviting us to get lost in the details. Check out the gorilla's hand, how the light catches the knuckles and claws. It's a masterclass in texture, each tiny stroke adding to the feeling of raw, untamed power. Kelly’s work reminds me of Frank Frazetta, they both understand the power of a well-placed muscle and a dramatic pose. I think what is so captivating is how they both create a space where fixed meanings dissolve and imagination runs wild.