The fascination of Futurists with the relationship of man with speed and power concentrated mainly on the new 'machines'. It's potential was never really exploited with the same with animals though it was used to depict olympic sport on deco posters.
Here David Dent returns to the ideas of Cubism, Futurism and Art Deco to produce an exciting two panel representation of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, using Denman and Kauto Star as subjects. Unlike the Brutalist-Futurist images of the Thirties however, David manages to convey a sense of dynamic power and speed tempered with naturalism through a lifetime spent observing the power of live animals, and a particular bond with the powerful Nicholls yard.
The characters of Denman and Kauto Star are captured here. The brute force of Denman and by comparison the deft stag of Kauto Star are represented here in what when put together makes a truly powerful art work.
Superb use of oil glazes over underlying cubist-deco techniques to depict the highlight of the national hunt racing calendar in the dynamic power and glory it deserves. The light breaking through angularly represented stormy sky and echoed through movement lines in the figures are executed in well considered glazes with stunning effect. Perhaps a new direction both for David Dent and Equine Art in general.
Available also very soon as a limited edition print with its partner of Kauto Star on canvas.
36"x24"
