Untitled (SFP94-69, SFF.1743) 1994

This untitled painting was made by Sam Francis sometime before his death in 1994. There's a real sense of immediacy about this work, a kind of joyful abandon in the way he’s thrown and dripped the paint. Up close, the surface is a crazy playground of color. See how the red sits heavy and opaque, while the yellow streaks across, almost translucent? It's like he's letting the paint do its thing, guiding it, sure, but also giving it space to breathe and blend. I particularly love the way the purple bleeds into the white around the edges, it creates this dreamy, ethereal vibe that contrasts with the boldness of the other colors. Francis reminds me a little of Joan Mitchell, both these painters aren't afraid to let loose and make a mess in the best possible way. It's like they're saying, "Here's the world, full of chaos and beauty, all rolled into one."