Play (Put Your Records On)

Play (Put Your Records On) by Cath Duncan. 2023. Mixed media on stretched canvas.

Description

Play (Put Your Records On) was created as part of a 3-part commission for a wonderful couple in the USA. They selected 3 of their favourite pieces of music/ songs, and asked me to create an abstract painting inspired by each of these (very different!) pieces of music.

In creating the paintings, I tried to listen closely not just to the music pieces they chose and how the music made me feel, but also to our conversation, and what it evoked for me when I listened to the couple share about their values and their relationship.

Play (Put Your Records on) is inspired by Corinne Bailey Rae’s song, Put Your Records On. You can listen to it here.

This song feels for me like a celebration of the freedom there is in remembering the value of play. Not just because play is generative and helps to grow wonderful things (like intimacy, power, and peace!) but also, play just for the sake of play. Sometimes play doesn’t have to have any deeper purpose. And the reminder to keep space and gratitude for the grace of those moments that just flow, come easily, and feel great.

I’ve created a spacious composition of play and celebration against a backdrop of stillness and rest. Crisp, translucent swimming pool turquoises flow and deep, cold, dark sea blues crash, while zesty, energised, happy tangerine orange and vermillion dances, loops, and flies up and away into the light. Peach sorbet melts in the warm glow and drips. Big, bold brushstrokes, fluid paint, scribbles, scratches, bubbles, splashes, drips, and confetti… because it feels great to let go and dance and leap. And wonderful things can happen when you realise that it all good, and “mistakes” and “messes” can be beautiful… and such fun too!

Below are some crops of close-ups of the colours and textures for you to enjoy…

Original artwork

This original artwork’s dimensions are 50 x 70cm (19.7 x 27.5 inches) and it was created using mixed media on stretched canvas. It is framed in a natural Obeche floating frame.

This artwork is SOLD.

See the other artworks created for this commission