Original artwork description:

“Gravity’s Angels” is an acrylic, oil and encaustic painting 61cms H x 61cms W x 3cms D on exhibition quality canvas. In keeping with more recent works the painting presents a more minimalist approach characterised by the use of simple shapes structured over a grid of vertical and horizontal bands, tessellating blocks and geometrical forms comprised of gradated and shifting colours. The intention is to explore the sense of place that viewers might experience with art and incorporate the simplest forms to emphasise this feeling. The painting takes its name from a song by American avant-garde artist Laurie Anderson, “Gravity’s Angel”. The song has many interpretations. It is ambiguous. Could it be about relationships?, could it be spiritual? "Gravity's Angel" is a phrase and concept that originates from Thomas Pynchon's novel, Gravity's Rainbow. It's not a single, easily defined entity, but rather a complex symbol with multiple layers of meaning. It embodies both a sense of destructive force and a potential for transcendence or liberation. The "angel" suggests a powerful, almost divine force, but the "Gravity" grounds it in the physical laws of the universe, specifically the force of gravity. This can be seen as a destructive force, bringing things down, crashing them, or ending them. The lyrics of the song draw on imagery of bombed cities and falling objects to reinforce this idea.
The painting is built in layers over a lightly primed canvas. I work directly over the canvas using brushes, knives, cloths and squeegees to manage layers of acrylic paint. It is a continuous process of ‘correction’. I erase and rub away surfaces to reveal what is hidden. This process helps to develop creative accident and expression. I continue to be inspired by American abstract expressionists from the likes of Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell and Barnett Newman and also those of European tradition such as Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian and more recently Barbara Rae, Sean Scully and John Hoyland.
The painting is shipped in a robust custom-made cardboard crate (same as those used to transport large screens). The painting is bubble wrapped to protect the canvas. Further wrapping is made with padding and corrugated card. A wooden frame is placed inside the cardboard crate to preserve the structural strength of the packaging. Each painting is insured to its sale value. Shipping costs within the U.K. take into consideration weight and insurance. U.K. shipping costs for this artwork are £50

Materials used:

Acrylic, encaustic and oil on canvas

Tags:
#minimalist painting #symbolist painting #geometric abctract 

GRAVITY'S ANGELS (2025) Acrylic painting
by Frank Barnes

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£300

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Original artwork description
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“Gravity’s Angels” is an acrylic, oil and encaustic painting 61cms H x 61cms W x 3cms D on exhibition quality canvas. In keeping with more recent works the painting presents a more minimalist approach characterised by the use of simple shapes structured over a grid of vertical and horizontal bands, tessellating blocks and geometrical forms comprised of gradated and shifting colours. The intention is to explore the sense of place that viewers might experience with art and incorporate the simplest forms to emphasise this feeling. The painting takes its name from a song by American avant-garde artist Laurie Anderson, “Gravity’s Angel”. The song has many interpretations. It is ambiguous. Could it be about relationships?, could it be spiritual? "Gravity's Angel" is a phrase and concept that originates from Thomas Pynchon's novel, Gravity's Rainbow. It's not a single, easily defined entity, but rather a complex symbol with multiple layers of meaning. It embodies both a sense of destructive force and a potential for transcendence or liberation. The "angel" suggests a powerful, almost divine force, but the "Gravity" grounds it in the physical laws of the universe, specifically the force of gravity. This can be seen as a destructive force, bringing things down, crashing them, or ending them. The lyrics of the song draw on imagery of bombed cities and falling objects to reinforce this idea.
The painting is built in layers over a lightly primed canvas. I work directly over the canvas using brushes, knives, cloths and squeegees to manage layers of acrylic paint. It is a continuous process of ‘correction’. I erase and rub away surfaces to reveal what is hidden. This process helps to develop creative accident and expression. I continue to be inspired by American abstract expressionists from the likes of Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell and Barnett Newman and also those of European tradition such as Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian and more recently Barbara Rae, Sean Scully and John Hoyland.
The painting is shipped in a robust custom-made cardboard crate (same as those used to transport large screens). The painting is bubble wrapped to protect the canvas. Further wrapping is made with padding and corrugated card. A wooden frame is placed inside the cardboard crate to preserve the structural strength of the packaging. Each painting is insured to its sale value. Shipping costs within the U.K. take into consideration weight and insurance. U.K. shipping costs for this artwork are £50

Materials used:

Acrylic, encaustic and oil on canvas

Tags:
#minimalist painting #symbolist painting #geometric abctract 
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Frank Barnes

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Location United Kingdom

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“My work is about recording what I see, feel and hear in different locations. These locations are places that I am familiar with and frequently re-visit. Such locations are ‘footprints’ of my... Read more

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