Thamyris 1972

Norman Bluhm made this big, bold painting, called Thamyris, sometime in the 20th century. The colours are soft, like faded denim, with creamy whites and deep blacks – sort of a low-key, jazzy palette. You can almost feel him figuring it out as he goes along, like a dance across the canvas. Looking closely, it's all about the paint. Not precious or hidden, but right there. Thick in some spots, thin in others, you can see the strokes, the pushes and pulls. Check out the drips of yellow paint near the top – they're like little exclamation points in a quiet conversation. It’s physical, like he was wrestling with the paint, trying to get it just so. There's something about Bluhm's work that reminds me of Joan Mitchell, that same energy and freedom, but with its own distinct voice. It's not about perfection, it's about the process, the journey, and the feeling. It's a reminder that art doesn't need to have all the answers; sometimes it's more interesting when it asks questions.