Phenomena Sun Over The Hour Glass

The Radiant Abstraction of Paul Jenkins' Celestial Vision

Paul Jenkins' Phenomena Sun Over The Hour Glass (1966) stands as a luminous testament to the artist's mastery of color and form within the Abstract Expressionist movement. This work, created during a period of intense experimentation in Jenkins' career, showcases his unique approach to controlled pigment flow on canvas. The painting's title suggests a cosmic dialogue between time's passage and celestial radiance, themes that permeate Jenkins' oeuvre of the mid-1960s. As noted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Jenkins' works from this period represent "a sophisticated interplay between chance and control, where the artist's guidance of liquid pigments creates luminous, almost otherworldly compositions."

The 1960s marked a significant evolution in Jenkins' technique, as he refined his method of pouring and manipulating paint to achieve these ethereal, luminous effects. Phenomena Sun Over The Hour Glass exemplifies this development, with its radiant central form that appears to both emerge from and dissolve into the surrounding field of color. The work's composition suggests a solar phenomenon observed through some celestial timepiece, capturing the fleeting nature of both light and time. This piece belongs to Jenkins' important "Phenomena" series, where he explored the visual representation of natural forces and cosmic events through his signature controlled pouring technique.

Jenkins and the Evolution of Abstract Expressionism

By the mid-1960s, Paul Jenkins had firmly established himself as a significant figure in the second generation of Abstract Expressionists. While artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko had pioneered the movement in the late 1940s and 1950s, Jenkins and his contemporaries were expanding its possibilities in new directions. Unlike the gestural violence of Action Painting or the somber rectangles of Color Field painting, Jenkins developed a distinctive approach that emphasized luminosity and fluidity.

His technique involved carefully controlling the flow of pigment across the canvas surface, often using ivory knives to guide the paint's movement. This method allowed for a remarkable precision within the apparent randomness, creating works that seem to glow from within. Phenomena Sun Over The Hour Glass demonstrates this technique at its most refined, with the central radiant form appearing to both emerge from and dissolve into the surrounding field of color.

Jenkins' genius lies in his ability to make the intangible visible - to capture the essence of light itself on canvas through his innovative pouring technique.

The Technical Mastery Behind the Luminosity

Innovative Pouring Technique

Jenkins' method for creating Phenomena Sun Over The Hour Glass involved a meticulous process of paint preparation and application. He would thin his oils to a carefully calculated consistency, allowing for both controlled flow and unexpected interactions between colors. The artist often worked on unprimed canvas, which enabled the pigments to soak into the fabric, creating a luminous effect as light passed through the thin layers of paint.

Chromatic Composition

The color palette in this work demonstrates Jenkins' sophisticated understanding of color theory. The central golden form is surrounded by carefully balanced complementary hues that enhance its radiance. This chromatic composition creates a visual vibration that gives the impression of light emanating from within the canvas itself. The artist's strategic placement of these colors guides the viewer's eye through the composition in a deliberate path.

Displaying Your Paul Jenkins Print

This 30×40 cm (12×16") framed print makes a striking statement in both contemporary and traditional spaces. The work's luminous central form draws the eye, making it an excellent focal point for a living room or study. Consider placing it on a wall painted in deep blues or warm neutrals to complement the painting's radiant palette. The gallery-style framing allows for immediate display, while the print's moderate size makes it versatile for various wall spaces. For optimal viewing, position the artwork where it can catch natural light, enhancing the luminous qualities that Jenkins masterfully created in the original painting.