Ensemble 2018

Charles Gibbons made this painting, Ensemble, with what looks like really direct, simple lines; it's all about the doing, the process of making these shapes. There's something playful about the way these colors interact, like they're dancing together, or maybe even bumping into each other a little bit. The surface of the painting looks smooth, and the colors are really clean and clear. Looking at the way the purple line sort of floats and curls, you get a sense of how fluid and intuitive Gibbons’ approach is. The colors aren't blended or shaded; they're just laid down, bold and unapologetic. It’s like each line is a single, decisive gesture. I'm reminded a bit of Matisse's cut-outs. Both artists share this love of pure color and simple shapes, but while Matisse was interested in the decorative potential of his forms, Gibbons seems to be more focused on the energy and movement of the line itself. It's a reminder that art is always in conversation with itself, borrowing and building on what came before.