Push

Dominated by rich earthy colors and sinuous snaking mark-making, Lynne Taetzsch’s "Push" teases figuration out of abstraction. A symphony of organic forms evokes unspoiled nature, a naive state before the introduction of humanity or before humanity separated itself from the natural world. Out of the flurry of loose brush strokes, gentle washes of pigment, and colors harmoniously blending into each other emerges suggestions of facial features, palm trees, animals, and dense jungle. In the center of the composition, a face peers out at the viewer as if encountering a foreign and unknown presence. This is a painting that looks back at you with an inquisitive skepticism. It is strongly reminiscent of famed Cuban modern artist Wifredo Lam (he is often classified as a Surrealist or Cubist, but I find his work too unique to fit squarely into either of these categories). His mad tropical compositions find their heir in "Push".