The Burial of the Count of Orgaz 2009

Alexander Roitburd made "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" in oil paint, with a brushy, textured surface. The colors are muted, earthy reds, browns, and golds, which creates a somber mood, like you're peering into a sepia-toned memory. I love the way Roitburd uses the paint to build up the forms, particularly in the brain-like object on the table, and the menorah behind the figure. You can almost feel the weight and density of these objects, they're like sculptural forms emerging from the canvas. And notice how the textured brushstrokes create a sense of movement and energy throughout the piece, even in the quiet, contemplative moment depicted. Roitburd’s painting style reminds me of Chaim Soutine, who twisted his subjects into emotive visions using thick impasto. Both invite us to contemplate the human condition through the visceral act of painting. Ultimately, Roitburd leaves us with a sense of mystery and ambiguity, inviting us to bring our own interpretations to the table.