Franz Kline
1960 New Year Wall, Night
1960
oil on softboard
305 x 488 cm
I will never forget my first-time seeing Franz Kline’s ‘1960 New Year Wall, Night’ whilst in Munich, Germany, as soon as I entered the gallery room I was completely overwhelmed and absorbed by the painting. Taken aback by the scale, consumed by the energy captured in the brush strokes and fascinated with the bold yet simplistic colour palette. I sat in-front of the work for the best part of an hour leaving only to re-entering the space, simply drawn to this magnificent piece.
Kline one of the great Action Painters emphasised the physical act of painting, transferring energy from the New York Jazz scene into these wonderful works. Kline stating, “I paint not the things I see but the feelings they arouse in me”. It is this transfer of energy which effectively creates a physical engagement with the viewer, and this is what I admire most from Kline.
Sam Renson, 2022
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