The Long Goodbye 1973

This is Jack Davis's poster for "The Long Goodbye," and it's pure process; a frenetic explosion of caricature and wit. Davis, known for his MAD Magazine work, crams the frame with exaggerated figures. Look at the lines, they're not precious, they're all about energy. See how he uses thick, juicy strokes to define the contours, then adds frantic scribbles for texture? It's like he's wrestling with the image, pinning it down just long enough to capture its essence. The whole thing feels urgent, like a jazz solo. I love how the colours are laid down flat, almost like a coloring book. There's no attempt at realism, just a celebration of pure, unadulterated cartoonishness. Davis reminds me of Philip Guston, who also embraced a kind of messy, intuitive approach to picture making. It's about letting go, trusting your instincts, and having fun along the way. For Davis and Guston, art is a conversation with yourself, a chance to explore the world through a playful lens.