The Liar 1936

Archibald Motley made this painting, it's called 'The Liar', and it's an oil on canvas. Look at the way Motley builds up his colours, especially in the figures' faces. He seems to be finding form through the act of painting itself. The texture in this piece is really something – you can almost feel the smoky atmosphere of this crowded room. Notice how the colours pop against the dark, shadowy background. There’s a real energy in the way Motley applies the paint, creating a sense of movement and liveliness. Now, focus on the figure leaning back on the chair in the foreground. The way the light catches the planes of his face is really fascinating. Motley's work reminds me a little of Jacob Lawrence, another artist who was exploring Black life and culture in America, or maybe even Romare Bearden. But Motley's got his own distinctive voice, his own way of seeing the world. Ultimately, this painting is less about telling us a story and more about inviting us to experience a moment, a feeling, a vibe.