The artwork titled “Sophia,” created by Richard Hambleton in 2006, stands as a testament to the Abstract Expressionism movement. Measuring 71.1 by 40.6 centimeters, this piece employs varnish on wood as its primary medium to craft an abstract tableau.
“Sophia” exhibits a profound interplay of colors and forms that cohere to generate a sense of depth and emotion. The upper portion of the artwork is dominated by a gradient of somber greens and deep blues, suggesting a dense, almost forest-like form that slowly dissipates into a lighter expanse of muted whites and pale yellows towards the bottom. The use of varnish gives the piece a particular sheen, enhancing the luminosity and texture of the colors. The piece is encased in a rugged, dark frame, which not only complements but also contains the abstract energies within the artwork. Hambleton’s signature in the lower right corner adds a personal touch to the enigmatic composition. Through his work, Hambleton evokes an introspective reflection on nature and abstraction, characteristic of the larger Abstract Expressionist ethos.
