Tooth and Claw 2017

Joshua Flint created Tooth and Claw, a painting with a slightly surreal quality, that really emphasizes the process of layering. I love the way the paint is applied in thin, almost translucent washes, allowing earlier marks and colors to peek through, creating a sense of depth and history, as if the painting has aged over time. Look closely at the birds scattered across the canvas, they seem to be connected to the figure by thin, orange threads, which appear both delicate and precarious. The overall effect is dreamlike, hinting at hidden connections and unseen forces. The choice of a muted, earthy color palette contributes to the work's sense of mystery and introspection. The painting’s composition and color scheme, reminds me of Odilon Redon, who was similarly interested in exploring interior psychological landscapes. But where Redon's work often evokes a sense of unease, Flint's painting feels more like a gentle invitation to contemplate the complexities of human experience, and embrace the ambiguity that makes life interesting.