Ulysses 1986

Charles Garabedian made 'Ulysses' with paint on canvas. The colours are really vivid and direct, a really confident use of the medium. I’m drawn to the way Garabedian seems to embrace the messy side of painting, leaving visible brushstrokes and uneven textures all over the canvas. The colours, particularly the bright blue of the water and the strong yellow of the sail, create a feeling of being immersed in the scene, like you're right there in the boat with Ulysses. The naked figure seems so vulnerable, just standing there, which feels very human. The brushstrokes are so visible, almost like you can trace the artist's hand as he built up the image, layer by layer. I'm reminded of early Picasso, he also wasn't afraid to push the boundaries of representation. Ultimately, it feels like art is less about perfect depiction and more about capturing a feeling, a moment, or an idea.