Crash in Phthalo Green 1984

Carlos Almaraz made this painting, Crash in Phthalo Green, with loose brushstrokes and a bold, expressive palette, embracing the act of painting itself. The surface is alive with thick, juicy paint. You can practically feel the energy of Almaraz's hand as he laid down each stroke. Look at that fiery burst of orange and red – it’s not just a car crash, it’s a visceral explosion of color and emotion. It feels raw, immediate, like a snapshot of a fleeting moment. The phthalo green bridge grounds the chaos above, a strange contrast that adds to the painting’s tension. Almaraz’s work often explored themes of urban life and social issues, but here, he seems more interested in the pure act of painting, pushing the boundaries of representation. You can see echoes of the German Expressionists, like Kirchner, in his bold use of color and his willingness to embrace the messy, imperfect nature of human experience. Ultimately, this painting is a reminder that art is a process of discovery, an ongoing conversation between the artist, the materials, and the world around them.