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StatsNumber 13
Gouache- WallArt
- Abstract Expressionism
1965- Modern
58.0 x 73.0 cm
Dallas Museum of Art
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Number 13
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 65
A Dance of Contrast: The Raw Energy of Number 13
In the realm of Abstract Expressionism, few works command attention with such stark, visceral intensity as James Brooks's Number 13. Created in 1965, this masterpiece serves as a profound dialogue between light and shadow, order and chaos. The composition is defined by a striking monochrome palette, where the deep, commanding presence of black paint meets the luminous clarity of white space. Upon first encounter, the viewer is swept into a whirlwind of gestural movement; there is an undeniable sense of spontaneity, as if the artist’s very pulse were captured within the sweeping strokes of gouache and ink.
The visual journey begins on the left side of the canvas, where the forms are fluid and organic. Here, amorphous dark shapes emerge from the white background, suggesting a phantom-like profile or a face in silhouette, though they remain tantalizingly abstract. These loose, energetic sweeps of black paint create a sense of dynamic motion, pulling the eye into an unpredictable rhythm. This side of the work feels deeply personal and emotive, embodying the "action painting" spirit where the physical act of creation is as much a part of the art as the final image.
Structure Amidst the Storm
As the gaze traverses the canvas toward the right, a fascinating transformation occurs. The wild, unpredictable energy of the left gives way to a more structured arrangement. Thick, horizontal bands of black paint stretch across the space, separated by rhythmic white intervals. These bands introduce a sense of gravity and architectural stability to the piece, creating a captivating tension between the unstructured, atmospheric shapes on one side and the deliberate, layered stripes on the other. This juxtaposition of the organic and the geometric invites endless interpretation, making it a centerpiece that rewards deep contemplation.
The technique employed by Brooks is nothing short of masterful. By utilizing gouache and ink, he achieves a variety of textures—some areas appear smooth and ethereal, while others reveal the heavy, tactile weight of thick applications. The visible brushstrokes serve as a map of the artist's movements, lending the work an intimate, human quality. For the collector or interior designer, this piece offers more than just visual interest; it provides a sophisticated focal point that can anchor a room with its dramatic duality and timeless elegance.
A Legacy of Emotion and Motion
Beyond its formal qualities, Number 13 resonates with a profound emotional depth. The stark black-and-white contrast evokes themes of duality—day and night, presence and absence, life and void. There is a certain drama inherent in the composition, a tension that feels both ancient and modern. It is a work that does not merely sit upon a wall but actively interacts with its environment, casting a spell of introspection on all who behold it.
For those seeking to bring the spirit of mid-century American abstraction into a contemporary space, this reproduction offers an unparalleled opportunity. It captures the essence of Brooks's unique ability to blend the monumental scale of his muralist roots with the intimate, psychological intensity of abstract painting. Whether placed in a minimalist gallery setting or a richly textured living space, Number 13 remains a powerful testament to the enduring beauty of the Abstract Expressionist movement.
Questions & Answers
What palette and what feeling does "Number 13" combine?
In "Number 13", neutrals colors accompany a dramatic feeling.
What is "Number 13" made with, and in which style?
"Number 13" is made in gouache, in the Abstract Expressionism style.
What underlying hue runs through "Number 13" by James Brooks?
The dominant hue of "Number 13" by James Brooks is green to violet spectrum. The hue is the underlying tone of the palette.
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
Early Life and Education
- Born: October 18, 1906, St. Louis, Missouri
- Family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1916
- Studied art at Southern Methodist University (1922-1924)
- Private lessons with James A. Waddell and Martha Simkins in Dallas
- Moved to New York City in 1926
- Studied at the Art Students League under Boardman Robinson and Kimon Nicolaides
- Worked as a commercial artist to support himself
The WPA Years and Early Murals
- Active in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project from 1936-1942
- Painted three murals for the WPA, demonstrating social realist style.
- Flight (1940-1942): A significant mural at La Guardia Airport's Marine Air Terminal, depicting the history of aviation. It was the largest WPA mural and later restored after being painted over.
- Friendships with Jackson Pollock and Philip Guston during this period
Abstract Expressionist Period: Style and Development
- Served as a combat artist in the U.S. Army (1942-1945)
- Returned to New York City in 1946, reconnected with Pollock and Krasner
- Shifted towards Abstract Expressionism, influenced by Surrealist principles
- Developed a unique staining technique: Experimenting with the bleed of paste through canvas.
- Early works showed influences of Synthetic Cubism.
- Palette initially featured browns, grays, blacks and vivid colors.
- Later work incorporated larger forms, broader strokes, and simpler compositions using acrylics.
- Often used numbers and letters to identify paintings, incorporating nonsense syllables as titles (e.g., *Pask*, *Burwak*, *Jondol*).
Major Exhibitions and Recognition
- First solo exhibition at the Peridot Gallery in New York City (1949)
- Participated in the historic Ninth Street Exhibition (1951) – a key event in Abstract Expressionism.
- Featured in exhibitions such as Twelve Americans and New American Painting at the Museum of Modern Art.
- Documenta, Kassel, West Germany (1959).
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (1969)
Legacy and Historical Significance
- Considered a first-generation Abstract Expressionist painter.
- Known for his innovative staining techniques and lyrical abstraction.
- His work is held in prominent collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Modern Art, Tate Gallery, and National Gallery of Art.
- Brooks's artistic journey reflects the evolution of Abstract Expressionism and his willingness to experiment with new approaches to painting.
- Died on March 9, 1992, in East Hampton, New York.
James Brooks
1906 - 1992 , United States of America
Quick Facts
- Full Name: James Brooks
- Nationality: American
- Date Of Birth: 1906
- Date Of Death: 1992
- Place Of Birth: St. Louis, United States of America
- Notable Artworks: ['Flight (LaGuardia Airport mural)']
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Abstract Expressionism
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Jackson Pollock
- Lee Krasner
- Pablo Picasso
- Georges Braque
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