Holy Rollers 1929

Archibald Motley made this painting, Holy Rollers, with oil paint. Look at how the paint glows, it’s so alive! The surface quality has an intriguing, almost enamel-like smoothness, yet you can still detect Motley's brushstrokes and sense of gesture in his application. See how the central light source seems to radiate, illuminating every figure in a warm, almost dreamlike glow. The artist’s palette creates a sense of depth and rhythm. I love the way he captures movement, particularly in the dancer’s pose. You can almost hear the music and feel the energy of the room. There's a freedom in his mark-making, which reminds me of Romare Bearden’s collages, particularly in how they both capture the essence of Black cultural experiences. This isn't just a painting; it's a captured moment, a shared experience, and an ongoing conversation. It’s not fixed, but always open to interpretation.