Susan Rand

Susan Rand’s new work is an important figurative series depicting universal themes of interpersonal relationships rendered by an artist who keenly observes and intuits human dynamics.

In reductive environments, painted in Rand’s signature use of rich color and loose brushwork, anonymous human forms are interjected and portray themes of joy, inclusion, fear and longing.

These canvases and panels have been worked up, scraped down and left to reveal the renderings of an artist fully conversant in and enjoying her medium’s abilities. The surfaces seem to jump and play while supporting the new narrative of figures, sometimes solid, sometimes dissolving, in relationships that conjure at once carefree delight and anxious contemplation.

In Mother and Child, where a protective mother and her child venture into a watery world, prepared for its consequences, a fully clothed on-looker cannot participate. Why is the on-looker not joining the duo? Why is she not subjecting herself to that foreboding blue?

Similar questions arise in Swimmers United #1. The Milton Avery-like shapes of beach, sea and sky show a young swimmer in the light blue shape ready to jump in. Will she enjoy the currents of that light blue shape or will she venture further into the dark blue where figures dissipate?

This new body of work by Susan Rand challenges the viewer to trust what she does not see and respond viscerally to the basic and complex life experiences before her.

Lee Findlay Potter October 29, 2021