Before Time (Mysteries 12) 05-01-11 2011

John Hoyland made this painting, "Before Time," from the Mysteries series, in 2011 using acrylic on canvas. There's something so playful and primordial about the splattered paint, like a cosmic event captured in gooey, vibrant color. Looking closely, you can see how the layers build up, a thick impasto that gives the surface real depth. Hoyland isn't shy about letting the paint drip and pool, embracing the messiness of the process. Notice the red ring dominating the center, how it's not quite perfect, almost vibrating with energy. That imperfection is key. It's what makes the painting feel alive, not just a static image but a record of its own making. Hoyland was a colorist at heart, but I'm reminded of some of Miro's dreamscapes when I see this, or maybe even the explosive energy of late Turner. It’s a reminder that art is a conversation, a way of seeing that evolves over time. And who knows, maybe "Before Time" is also a glimpse into the future.