Attempting the Mambo (1999)Oil painting
by Don Keene

Chaotic yet cheerful motion playing frantically over organic and human-like shapes is the underpinning of this colorful composition in thick oil. A large face, appearing as a smiling African mask anchors the upper middle of the picture plane, while various other smaller human figures, mostly in profile or three quarter view, populate the upper to lower right, surrounding the main figure subserviently, as if on hand to view an important ritualistic event. The manner in which the central figure pulsates with pent-up energy while the overall scene shivers from obscurity into focus recalls the rhythm and energetic force of focus needed to successfully navigate and accomplish a challenging physical feat, especially one done for the first time with an audience.

Influences, among others, include Max Beckmann, Edvard Munch, Bob Thompson, George McNeil, Richard Diebenkorn, David Park, Francesco Clemente, R.B. Kitaj and Willem de Kooning.

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Materials used:

Oil paint, gesso, charcoal and enamel

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 104.14 x 134.62 x 5.08cm (unframed)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Organic
• Subject: Nudes and erotic