Back of Nude 1960

David Park made this painting, Back of Nude, using oil on paper, and just look at those colours. They are like colours are just hanging out together, deciding what to do, how to feel. The paint is laid on thick. It is not trying to pretend it’s anything other than paint, being dragged and dabbed on the surface. I love how the red and green, colours that traditionally clash, sit together so comfortably, like old friends who know each other's quirks. Focus on her hand – the fingers are just these wild, red slashes, a little scary, a little funny. It's almost like Park is saying, “Here's a hand, but I’m not going to get too fussy about it.” I’m reminded a bit of Milton Avery, in the way Park simplifies and distills the figure to its essence. Both artists find a way to make painting feel direct and personal, like a conversation between the artist and the viewer, full of open ended questions.