Gorilla Family 1980

Editor: So, here we have LeRoy Neiman’s "Gorilla Family," created in 1980, using oil paint. The thick brushstrokes and vivid colours give the piece a really dynamic, almost energetic feel, despite the stillness of the gorillas. What structural elements jump out at you? Curator: Notice the colour choices—the juxtaposition of bright greens and oranges against the browns of the gorillas themselves. This doesn’t attempt a realistic depiction of gorillas. Instead, it establishes a certain visual tension. Consider also how Neiman uses impasto to build up the surface, adding depth and texture. Do you see how the brushstrokes become almost as important as the figures they define? Editor: I do. It’s like he’s prioritizing the paint itself, the physicality of it, rather than focusing on photorealistic representation. Curator: Precisely. He’s pushing the boundaries of representation, exploring the abstract potential within figuration. How do you read the composition in terms of balance and dynamism? Is the visual weight distributed evenly, or does Neiman create a sense of movement? Editor: It seems pretty balanced overall, but the placement of the gorilla family slightly off-center injects energy. It avoids being static. It suggests forward motion. Curator: An astute observation. What impact does this have on your reading of the work? Do you find yourself focusing more intently on the colour and form relationships? Editor: Yes, I hadn't thought so deeply about how the painting departs from typical depictions. Thanks, I will consider colour even more closely when I see the work in person. Curator: The formal elements underscore an expressiveness that is very typical of Neiman's artistic choices. I found this really interesting to revisit this with you!