Equinox 1958

Hans Hofmann created Equinox using oil on canvas. The vibrant colors and dynamic composition are hallmarks of his abstract expressionist style, but it’s the material handling that really grabs my attention. Look closely, and you’ll see how Hofmann built up layers of thick paint, almost like a bricklayer constructing a wall. Each stroke is assertive, a deliberate act of applying pigment to the surface. This isn’t about illusionism or representation; it’s about the physicality of the paint itself. The texture, the weight, the way the colors interact – these are all essential to the work’s impact. Hofmann’s process was deeply rooted in his belief that painting should be an active, improvisational experience, a conversation between the artist and the materials. By emphasizing the materiality of paint, he challenges the traditional hierarchy that elevates the artist’s idea over the act of making.