The Last 2021

Owen Gent's painting, The Last, shows a figure on a shore, rendered with a deliberate, almost hesitant touch. The sandy hues and muted tones really emphasize the process, with each brushstroke adding to this quiet, unfolding narrative. The surface has a unique, velvety texture. The paint application seems thin and transparent, with visible grains adding depth. I'm particularly drawn to how the light catches the figure's outreached hand, a tiny spark against the vast, dark coastline. This area speaks volumes about isolation, yet also about resilience. There is something about the vulnerability of the person, whose form seems to become more present due to the stark constrast of the dark shore. Gent's visual language reminds me a bit of Milton Avery, especially in how both artists use color to evoke mood and create simplified forms. Like Avery, Gent shows that art isn't about definitive answers, but about embracing uncertainty and allowing viewers to bring their own interpretations to the table.