Redfern Composition by Paul Jenkins
Redfern Composition
The Fluid Language of Paul Jenkins’ Abstract Expressionism
The Redfern Composition embodies Paul Jenkins’ signature approach to Abstract Expressionism, where controlled chaos and luminous color converge. Unlike the dense, gestural brushwork of his contemporaries, Jenkins developed a technique of pouring and manipulating pigment directly onto the canvas, allowing gravity and fluid dynamics to shape the composition. This method, which he termed “phenomena painting,” yielded works that appear simultaneously organic and deliberate—an effect vividly present in this piece. The interplay of crimson, cobalt, and gold creates a sense of depth and movement, as if the viewer is peering into a molten landscape rather than a static image.
Jenkins’ work often defies the rigid categorization of mid-century abstraction. While artists like Jackson Pollock emphasized the physicality of paint application, Jenkins focused on the alchemical transformation of materials. His canvases, including Redfern Composition, suggest natural forces—lava flows, ocean currents, or celestial phenomena—without ever resorting to literal representation. As The Art Story observes, his approach “bridged the gap between the sublime and the scientific,” a duality that continues to captivate collectors and designers alike.
Paul Jenkins and the Alchemy of Color
By the 1960s, Paul Jenkins had distanced himself from the aggressive spontaneity of Action Painting, instead cultivating a meditative, almost ritualistic process. His studio became a laboratory where viscosity, temperature, and canvas tilt determined the final image. Redfern Composition emerges from this period of refinement, its sweeping arcs and translucent layers revealing Jenkins’ fascination with the interplay of chance and control. Unlike Mark Rothko’s color fields, which envelop the viewer in atmospheric haze, Jenkins’ works invite closer inspection—each stratum of pigment tells a story of its journey across the surface.
The title itself hints at the work’s origins. While Jenkins rarely named pieces after specific locations, “Redfern” may reference the Sydney suburb, suggesting a connection to the artist’s global perspective. His time in Europe and Asia informed a cosmopolitan aesthetic that transcended the New York School’s insularity. As the Museum of Modern Art has noted in retrospectives, Jenkins’ abstractions “operate as both object and event,” a quality that makes them uniquely adaptable to contemporary interiors.
Jenkins’ genius lies in his ability to harness fluidity without sacrificing structure—a paradox that gives Redfern Composition its enduring tension.
The Science Behind the Spectacle
Composition: Directed Movement
The asymmetry of Redfern Composition belies its careful calibration. Jenkins often tilted the canvas at precise angles to guide the flow of paint, creating a counterpoint between the upward surge of crimson and the horizontal drift of blues. This dynamic balance prevents the eye from settling, instead drawing it into a continuous loop around the canvas. The absence of a central focal point—a radical departure from classical composition—reflects Jenkins’ belief that “the painting should breathe from all sides.”
Color: Optical Vibrancy
The chromatic intensity here stems from Jenkins’ innovative use of acrylic polymers, which allowed for greater transparency and layering than traditional oils. By flooding the surface with thinned pigment and then partially lifting it with ivory knives or sponges, he achieved a stained-glass effect where light appears to emanate from within. The gold accents in Redfern Composition function almost like gilding in a Byzantine mosaic, catching the eye and creating rhythmic punctuation amid the fluid fields.
Own This Luminous Abstract Masterwork
Bring the mesmerizing fluidity of Paul Jenkins’ Redfern Composition into your space. This gallery-framed print captures every nuance of the original, from the depth of its crimson veins to the shimmer of gold accents. Free worldwide shipping ensures it arrives ready to hang, with no hidden costs or delays.
Add to Cart — $24999Where to Display Redfern Composition
At 30×40 cm (12×16 inches), this print commands attention without overwhelming a room. Its warm palette and organic forms make it ideal for spaces that balance modernity with warmth. Consider hanging it above a console table in an entryway, where the gold accents will catch the light from a nearby lamp. In living areas, pair it with neutral furnishings—linen sofas, oak sideboards—to let the painting’s vibrancy take center stage. For a bold contrast, position it against a deep teal or charcoal wall, which will amplify the crimson’s intensity. Avoid overly busy patterns in surrounding decor; Jenkins’ work thrives in dialogue with simplicity.
Is the frame included? What quality is it?
Yes, every print includes a premium gallery frame crafted from solid wood with a matte finish. The frame is designed to complement the artwork’s colors and is ready to hang upon arrival, with pre-installed hardware and a protective backing.
Where do you ship, and how long does delivery take?
We offer free shipping to all countries, with no minimum purchase. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on your location. All orders are fully tracked, and you’ll receive updates from dispatch to delivery.
How long will the colors stay vibrant?
Our prints use archival-grade inks and acid-free paper, ensuring colorfastness for decades under normal lighting conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided to preserve the original intensity of the pigments.
What’s your return policy?
If you’re not completely satisfied, you may return your print within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. The frame must be in original condition, and we’ll cover the return shipping costs.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Art Story. "Paul Jenkins: Abstract Expressionist Painter." The Art Story, 2024.
- Museum of Modern Art. "Paul Jenkins: Phenomena Series." MoMA, New York.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum. "Paul Jenkins: Biography." SAAM, Washington D.C.
More Works by Paul Jenkins
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Further Reading
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Ready to Bring Jenkins’ Vision Home?
Redfern Composition arrives framed and ready to hang, with free worldwide shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Own this luminous abstract work today—no hidden fees, no delays.
Add to Cart — $24999