Reading The Letter, Howard Hodgkin’s 17 3/4 x 20″ oil painting on wood is a celebrated example of his work. Hodgkin was a contemporary British painter whose work was characterized by an interplay of gesture, color, and ground. Many of his brushstrokes often extend beyond the picture plane and onto the frame in a way that draws attention to the physicality of the canvas.
Hodgkin’s emphasis on abstraction is evident in Reading The Letter, which incorporates a painted frame into its picture-space for added depth. The vibrant colors and light exuded from his works are often inspired by his love for India, one of many places he frequented around the world.
The late painter’s keen eye and collector mentality influenced much of his artistic creativity. His works are best described as serious abstractions that demand an abstract reading from their viewership. As one would expect from an artist whose accolades include representing Britain in Venice Biennale and winning Turner Prize – Hodgkin’s artwork remains important even years after his passing.
Reading The Letter provides us with a unique view into art that defies traditional techniques – embracing airbrush methods to create something exceptional. It also highlights how important it is for artists not to just draw inspiration from their environment but also turn to other forms like personal collections for ideas; thus demonstrating how collecting objects can be transformative in artists’ creative lives as well as enriching them through exposure to new contexts and perspectives.
