Math Son of Mythonwy 2016

Joe Machine's painting, "Math Son of Mythonwy," presents a scene rendered with a direct, unvarnished approach. The colors are earthy, the forms outlined with a folksy feel. It’s clear the making is part of the meaning. Looking at the seated figure, with his long hair, you get a sense of texture - see how the lines of paint build a sense of depth? It's like Machine is carving the image out of the canvas. The paint isn't trying to hide, but rather be itself. The way the artist uses a simple palette and direct mark-making reminds me of outsider art, where the emotional intensity is palpable. The composition has a raw, unsettling energy. It puts me in mind of Paula Rego. Both artists aren't afraid to wrestle with big themes and present them with a challenging emotional intensity, making their art an ongoing conversation about the complexities of human experience.