Breaking Bad Waves 2017

David Michael Hinnebusch made this painting, Breaking Bad Waves, with bold marks in black, yellow, and hot pink, like something powerful emerging from a storm. I can almost feel Hinnebusch attacking the surface, layering the image, wiping it away, and then building it up again. It’s a process of searching, scraping, and revealing, like life, really! The paint is applied in broad strokes, creating texture and a sense of movement, especially with that grid. Does the grid flatten the image or act as a stage for something else? The black lines seem to be struggling to contain the energy within, like a vessel overflowing with emotion or maybe even a dark sense of humor. It reminds me of other artists who aren't afraid to embrace chaos and imperfection, like Cy Twombly, or even some of the raw energy you see in art brut. Artists are constantly riffing off of each other, consciously or not, in this amazing, ongoing conversation. This piece feels like a fresh take on some old themes, a reminder that painting is still alive and kicking.