PH-21 1962

Clyfford Still made this untitled painting, PH-21, with oil on canvas. I love how Still throws down these primal colors - red, yellow, blue, black, and white - like raw emotions onto a field of light tan. It’s as if he’s tearing open the canvas to reveal something underneath. The paint isn’t blended or fussy; it’s direct, almost violent. You can practically feel the force of his gestures. Look at the ragged edges of the black form on the lower left, so tactile and immediate. There’s no hiding the process here; Still leaves every mark, every decision visible. This raw quality makes me think of other artists like Guston, who embrace imperfection and process over polish. Ultimately, painting is about this ongoing conversation, this messy, beautiful exchange of ideas. And Still? He’s shouting his thoughts, loud and clear.