The Flying Machine 1961

George Joji Miyasaki made this artwork called ‘The Flying Machine’, but I don’t know when or with what. There is a really interesting approach to mark making here. It looks like the artist is feeling their way through the form, trying to find the image in the process. The colours are earthy and muted, browns and greys, and I feel like I can see the hand of the artist in every stroke. The physicality of the medium is really present. The paint looks thick and textured, and you can almost feel the weight of it on the surface. Look at that rectangular mark at the bottom of the image, it's almost like a solid block, anchoring the whole composition. The way the black paint bleeds and feathers out from the edges is something between Philip Guston and Cy Twombly, and it gives the piece a sense of movement and energy. Ultimately, this piece reminds me that art is never finished, it's always in progress.