Claim 180, 2026

Mark Hellbusch  

Acrylic and lacquer on canvas.

Claim 180 is a vibrant contemporary abstract painting created in 2026 as part of the series. The work presents a dynamic field of color in which energetic layers of red, yellow, green, and blue unfold across a luminous turquoise ground. The painting explores color as an expressive and evolving presence, creating a sense of movement and organic transformation across the canvas.

The composition is structured through subtle shifts in density and openness. The upper area appears light and expansive, while the lower section becomes increasingly concentrated, where colors merge, accumulate, and interact in more complex formations. This gradual transition creates a strong visual rhythm and gives the painting a feeling of growth and emergence.

Built through multiple layers of acrylic and lacquer, the surface reveals a rich material depth. From a distance, Claim 180 appears radiant and unified; closer observation reveals intricate variations of tone, texture, and chromatic interaction that reward sustained viewing.

The work reflects a process-driven approach to contemporary abstract painting, where intuition, layering, and the physical qualities of paint shape the final composition. Claim 180 offers both visual intensity and balance, making it a compelling piece for collectors interested in expressive, color-centered abstract art with strong presence and contemporary character.