Light the Caretaker

With his amorphous lines and unique melding of hues, Ruben Pang’s paintings resist easy categorization and reading. With fluid brushstrokes, Pang evokes interesting and vibrant images that trigger the imaginations of viewers. Pang applies colour with a confidence and surety, and arrives at a characteristic layering of shades and tones that accentuate his wispy and muscular Bacon-esque figures.

The present lot, Light the Caretaker reveals the tensions inherent in the simultaneously spontaneous and systematic process of artistic production. The central figure is imbued with a dynamic potential for movement while at the same time retains an elegant poise and transience. Ruben’s paintings present anonymous, featureless figures that are more about representations of ideas rather than representations of figures. Taking direction from the painting’s title, Pang’s use and manipulation of light to cradles and surrounds the figure in a protective swathe of cool and warm colour. The result is an evocative composition that encourages an emotional and psychological connection with the viewer.