Keith Thomson

The Fugitive, Original Painting

2022

Artist Comments
A charming subway commuter stands center of artist Keith Thompson's surrealist piece. "Subjected to a million visitors a year, Gus the Central Park Zoo polar bear began swimming obsessively in his pool 12 hours a day," says Keith. "He became the first zoo animal in history to go on Prozac. It seemed only a matter of time until the scene depicted here came to pass." The playfully amusing scene paired with bold colors draws immediate attention to the composition. All the people on the train sit undiverted like any other ordinary day in New York.

About the Artist
Alabama-based artist Keith Thomson creates quick-witted, mixed-media artwork that blends realism and surrealism. His background as a political cartoonist in the 90’s is reflected in the sharp storytelling his artwork achieves. He combines stylized realism and everyday subject matter with surreal details and ironic twists. He begins his work as digital sketches using an animation software, then he transfers the sketch onto the canvas and begins applying oil paint. In addition to painting, he is a writer, of mostly spy novels and nonfiction articles. His writing prowess shines through in his witty descriptions of his pieces.

Words that describe this painting: animals, New York, NYC, subwway, transportation, bear, people, commuters, travelers, reflection, surrealism, mixed media, animals, people, surrealism, mixed media artwork, grey

The Fugitive
Keith Thomson
Oil paint and ink on stretched canvas
Finished white edges
Varnished and Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front
2022
24 in. h x 18 in. w x 1.5 in. d
3 lbs. 0 oz.