paintings

At first glance, one might miss the power and subtlety of Briggs’  paintings. You may label the work as elementary – sophomoric even.  That would be a mistake.

 

His massive shapes have the nuance of a line drawing with each edge in harmony with the others. While the individual shapes have subtlety of form, the collective power of the shapes leaps off the canvas with a palpable force. Shapes are sometimes unconstrained, sometimes not, as in “Spasm,” where a commanding singular black shape is restricted by one thin squiggly green line. His colors are simple, no more than three or four to a canvas. There is no dark-to-light, no mixing or blending of color and a complete absence of texture. He puts it all out there in an approach that leaves no place to hide. While it may first appear to be rudimentary, there is sophistication in his construction and an intellectual understanding of what he is presenting.

 

His later work has transitioned from the earlier graphic statements to paintings with a message -- sometimes social, sometimes political. His techniques, as well as his selection of media, have expanded as necessitated by the complexity of his social and political messages. His political statements are as bold and strong as his graphic shapes. He has remained true to his personal philosophy of painting what he feels will make an impression, good or bad. While continuing to present powerful shapes and forms, his paintings have become compelling in message as well as image.