Posing with Panther 1983

Patrick Nagel made this painting, Posing with Panther, with graphic blocks of color to create a scene that is both fierce and alluring. I can almost see him composing this image, paring back to only the most essential lines and forms, and the drama that unfolds as he lays down areas of solid black and saturated purple. It’s like a dance between control and intuition, where each element finds its place in the composition. That strong black panther, all sleek muscle and silent power. I imagine Nagel was thinking of Tamara de Lempicka and those cool Art Deco women, as well as Japanese prints - that flattened perspective, all those clean lines. And he finds a fresh way to explore themes of femininity and strength. It's all part of this ongoing conversation between artists across time, each riffing off the others' ideas and approaches. There are echoes of Matisse, Warhol, and so many more. This is painting as embodied expression, embracing ambiguity and allowing for multiple readings.