Quand 1969

"Quand", by James Brooks, is an abstract expressionist painting that invites us into a world of color and emotion. Brooks emerged from the era of the New Deal art projects, where artists were reckoning with themes of American identity during the Great Depression. In "Quand," swathes of blue and black clash with dynamic strokes of red and white, encapsulating the anxieties of the Cold War era. The stark contrasts and gestural marks suggest conflict and tension, mirroring the era’s pervasive sense of unease. Yet, the composition also hints at the potential for resolution and change. Brooks once said, "Painting is a way of coming to terms with life." Through abstraction, Brooks conveys complex emotional states, forging a dialogue between personal experience and broader social realities. It's a testament to how art can transform inner turmoil into a powerful expression of collective experience.