This weekend I was able to take in the Clayton Brothers' latest exhibit, Jumbo Fruit, at Patrick Painter in Santa Monica, CA. If you were among the bustling throng, it's possible that you too were engulfed in a wonderful sea of enthusiastic patrons as well as being enveloped in the sheer immensity of their latest triumphs.

Before we go further, let's be frank. One of the more difficult moves in an artist's life or career is that impending "next phase." And beyond that, is the challenge of actually pulling it off and being understood in one's own time. What I saw on the walls of the gallery was just that moment - a successful step in the evolution of two amazingly brilliant and open minds. This grouping of new paintings shows the actual depth of the brothers' visceral capacity as they make their way into a new and challenging edition of creativity.

And when I say "triumph," I have to realize that my take on the paintings may not quite ring fairly in some ears. I was able to overhear some dissatisfied reports from grumbling viewers... yes, amazing. And mind you, once a good gripe is within earshot it's almost impossible to break free of the tractor beam. What was going on were two very ardent Clayton Bros. fans of differing ages discussing the basic elements and narratives of the work. 

One viewer was so adamant that the work was not up to par that the counterpart was forced to concede to their unrepentant rant, if only for the simplicity of their silence. "I can't believe this !" and "I can't believe you," was the last of it. And hearing this invocation made me glow anew. YES, they had truly done it! The sheer brilliance of the Claytons' handiwork had brought out the full spectrum of emotion in the eager viewership. They had managed what every artist craves to provide - the ability to touch every person on some sensitive level. People were embracing the work with a passion that so few actually attain, let alone maintain for any amount of time.

To say that the exhibit will change your life is, admittedly, pushing the proverbial envelope of reason. But I dare say that taking in a Clayton Bros. exhibit will challenge you to your core - at least your aesthetic core if thou art so inclined. 

 And what was so amazing about this, you might ask? Fair enough, indeed. What I found interesting, aside from the sheer size of the larger works (there is a separate Patrick Painter gallery a few strides from the main hall with a collection of smaller new works) was the collision of narrative and nonobjective elements. No no, of course that's not new for these gents, but the really fascinating part for me...

... was that while the eyes remained so focused and engaged with the viewer, the rest of the piece was quite possibly becoming much less concerned with maintaining that recognizable balance as a figurative or narrative piece. 

 What I believe I witnessed was the eventuality of genius, as the transformation of the executive hand involved in the work took on a new understanding of its role in the creative act. The hand seems to understand the need of the paintings to evoke themselves into being, without the combined attitudes of the viewer or artist being thrust upon them.

 The Claytons are undeniably about to step into an entirely new page of history. And this, my friends, is the proving ground for what will undeniably be their most important test to date.

 Stay tuned dear readers, as these fine fellows make us believers, regardless of which side of the fence of artistic relevance you may choose to camp your opinions upon.