Ali vs. Frazier, The ‘Thrilla in Manila’ 1975

LeRoy Neiman made this poster of Ali vs. Frazier’s ‘Thrilla in Manila’ in 1975, and the energetic brushstrokes give it a real punch. Look at how Neiman builds up the figures with these quick, almost scribbled marks. The paint's applied pretty thickly, you can almost feel the texture of the canvas underneath. It’s like he's trying to capture the speed and intensity of the fight itself. The colors – these hot reds, oranges, and yellows – they're not exactly realistic, but they convey the heat and passion of the moment. I like how he doesn't get bogged down in details. Check out the way he renders their faces. It’s all about capturing the essence, the emotion, rather than a perfect likeness. There's a loose, expressive quality that reminds me a little of Chaim Soutine. Ultimately, Neiman invites us to engage with the work on a visceral level, to feel the energy and excitement of the event, even if we weren't there ourselves.