Bill Gibb 1983 

John Bratby created this forceful portrait of Bill Gibb in 1983 using oil paint. The initial impression is one of raw energy, achieved through an intense layering of brushstrokes and a vibrant, almost clashing, palette. Colors are daubed on thickly, creating a textured surface that enlivens the face. Bratby’s application of paint destabilizes conventional portraiture. It's as if we're seeing a deconstruction of the subject, broken down into its constituent colors and forms. The bright blues, oranges, and greens aren't blended but exist independently, challenging the idea of a unified, coherent representation. This technique reflects a broader artistic concern with the materiality of paint itself and how it communicates meaning. Consider the way the eyes are rendered: piercing blue orbs set within chaotic strokes of color. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between surface and depth, form and content. The painting’s impact resides not just in its aesthetic qualities but also in its capacity to question and redefine the boundaries of portrait art.