C28 Tic-Tac Man Beryl Cook

The composition presents a densely populated scene unfolding within what appears to be a racetrack or similar public space. A group of figures dominates the foreground, their forms rendered with exaggerated proportions and stylized features characteristic of figurative expressionism. The palette is dominated by muted earth tones – browns, grays, and creams – punctuated by flashes of red in a tie and signage.
Here we see several men dressed in formal attire – suits, overcoats, hats – clustered together, their faces exhibiting varying degrees of preoccupation or agitation. One man, positioned centrally, holds a sheet of paper, seemingly scrutinizing it with intense focus. His posture suggests a sense of urgency or concern. To his left, another figure leans forward, appearing to engage in hushed conversation. The expressions are difficult to read definitively, but an overall atmosphere of anxiety and tension pervades the group.
Behind this central cluster, other figures populate the space. Several individuals wear what appear to be uniforms – white hats with lettering visible on a sign above – suggesting staff or officials associated with the location. One man stands out due to his raised arms and white-gloved hands, as if gesturing emphatically or attempting to direct attention. His posture introduces an element of theatricality into the scene.
The ground is littered with what appear to be discarded tickets or papers, adding a sense of chaos and transience to the environment. The background is somewhat blurred, but hints at architectural elements – a roofline and signage – further establishing the setting as a public venue. A green border frames the entire composition, creating a distinct visual boundary.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of societal anxiety, bureaucratic processes, and the fleeting nature of events. The exaggerated features and distorted proportions contribute to a sense of unease and alienation. The focus on formal attire suggests an examination of social hierarchies and power dynamics. The discarded papers and agitated expressions imply a commentary on the pressures and uncertainties inherent in competitive environments or systems reliant on chance. The theatrical gesture of the man with raised arms could be interpreted as a critique of performative authority or the manipulation of public perception. Overall, the work conveys a feeling of underlying tension and a sense of detachment from the depicted events.