David Larwill - Frenzy 2002 (Yellow)

David Larwill's "Frenzy" is a strikingly bold portrait that embodies the expressionistic vibrancy and raw energy that permeate most of the artist's body of work. The man depicted, hovering over a large top hat, is both a subject of his environment and a profound commentator on it.

The choice of a monochromatic palette, dominated by warm yellows and reds, lends an immediacy to the arresting and somewhat disconcerting image. The subject's inner vitality and perhaps turmoil are spilling onto the image, compelling the viewer to engage with the emotions portrayed.

Larwill's use of line is frenetic and unapologetically bold. The strokes, executed with a rapid and almost haphazard movement, swirl and dance around the figure, creating a palpably felt sense of chaos. This chaos, however, is not without purpose. It emphasises the portrait's intensity and reflects a certain psychological depth within the subject. The technique used in these strokes and lines represents Larwill's mastery of his craft, as he can convey such complex emotions with seemingly simple line work.

"Frenzy" is a compelling example of Larwill's ability to convey complex emotional states through simplicity of form and colour. The artwork would be a valuable addition to a collection of Larwill's work due to its vivid expression of human emotion, a hallmark of Larwill's style. It speaks to the human condition personally and universally, making it resonate with a diverse audience and elicit strong reactions, serving as a conversation starter and a standout piece due to its visceral approach to portraiture. The work invites introspection and dialogue, the essence of engaging art. "Frenzy" captures a moment of emotional intensity that is both ephemeral and eternal, a snapshot of the human spirit as seen through Larwill's eyes, yet something we can all relate to in the moment.