The Thinker (2026) Original Oil Painting by Ta Byrne

One of my heroes, Rodin, first started work on the original Thinker circa 1880- 1881 in Paris. It was 70 cm high and was meant to be part of a larger work. I painted my first Thinker in 2017, then again in 2021. One in 2022 and this one in 2026, also 70cm high, in Koh Samui, so I don’t do them very often, but I think I may because I love them and all 4 are different.

I want you to look at my work and understand the meanings behind it, although I understand people will have different feelings and therefore different understandings. It’s
not like looking at a movie where the meaning is spelt out for you; you have to look carefully for it.

Unlike many surrealists, who present their dreams, my work centres on people and bold colours. It opens up new dimensions of art to explore, while my Blue Valentine figures radiate closeness, love, and a sense of safety, and my conspirator characters evoke curiosity. “My subject matter is people, but my real passion is in colour and how the arrangement of colour can produce a different emotional experience of art.”

Materials used:

Oil on canvas

Details:

• Oil painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 50 x 70 x 2cm (unframed) / 50 x 70cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the front
• Style: Surrealistic
• Subject: People and portraits