Larry Hurst constructs his geometric compositions through a meticulous layering technique, building up dense fields of acrylic paint that he then sands back to reveal underlying strata of color. This subtractive method transforms the surface into an archaeological site where each hue exists both as presence and memory, with edges that soften into luminous transitions rather than hard borders. Working within self-imposed constraints of shape and palette, Hurst allows the physical properties of his materials—their opacity, translucency, and interaction with light—to guide formal decisions. The resulting paintings achieve a sense of spatial ambiguity, where geometric forms seem to hover and recede simultaneously, inviting extended looking that rewards patience with subtle shifts in perception as ambient conditions change throughout the day. Hurst’s practice connects to longstanding conversations about abstraction while remaining grounded in the specific decisions required to resolve each individual canvas, producing works that invite close looking and reveal new details over time.

1981
Acrylic on canvas
72.5" h x 57.5" w

Artwork donated by the artist