"Eye Out" Expressionist Abstract Orange Gouache by Christopher Mark Brennan

Christopher Brennan’s 2019 painting, Eye Out, presents a dynamic interaction of shapes and tones, typical of an abstract expressionist approach. The composition is dominated by an angular design, with a distinct vertical division that cuts the canvas in a zigzag pattern. On the right, we see a sharply defined profile with an open mouth, a raw line to outline a closed eyelid, their rigid geometry suggesting tension or urgency. On the left, a hand firmly grips what appears to be an eye, offering an almost surreal take on perception and identity.

Brennan possesses a unique ability to create highly aesthetic works that are simultaneously rooted in a deep reflection and understanding of art. His pieces often incorporate references to contemporary art, subtly woven into their composition. The theme of the eye removed from its orbit has been explored before, notably in Buñuel’s Un Chien Andalou. However, Brennan approaches it with a distinct sensitivity, ensuring that his work, while thoughtful and layered, never confronts the viewer with violence. Instead, his art remains poetic, inviting contemplation without aggression.

Brennan’s use of a restrained, earthy palette creates a cohesive visual tone, amplifying the scene's fragmentation, much like sun-scorched, cracked earth or a broken piece of pottery. The contrast between the flattened hand and face adds to the abstraction, while the geometric treatment of both figure and object challenges the viewer to consider what is being seen—or perhaps what is deliberately obscured.

REFERENCE NUMBER: LU654315155772
PERIOD: 21st Century
CONDITION: Excellent
MEASUREMENTS: Height: 32.5" Width: 26.5" Depth: 0.75"
COUNT: 1
MATERIAL: Gouache
CREATOR: Christopher Mark Brennan