Avondval 1999

Eugene Brands made this painting on paper, using oil, maybe even house paint, and a brush, probably a big one, to get that lovely, casual sweep. I’m really drawn to the way the bright colors sit so comfortably next to that heavy, almost aggressive dark patch. The paint application is so straightforward, so matter-of-fact, which I think is very cool. You can almost feel the artist moving the brush across the surface, pushing the paint around with a kind of joyous abandon, leaving some of the paper showing through. It’s not precious, it’s just…there. I'm reminded of Joan Mitchell, especially in the way Brands handles color. He’s not afraid to let them bump up against each other, creating a kind of visual friction. It's like he's saying, “Here it is, take it or leave it.” I admire that confidence. It’s an openness, an invitation to engage with the painting on its own terms.