Crispin Sturrock’s #037 Que is an exploration of the pleasure and tension that arise when we submit ourselves to the waiting game. The six figures in this work—drawn in pale pinks and faded lines—stand in line, not just waiting, but almost in ritualistic anticipation. Their stillness is paradoxical: their wait is not for survival, but for something altogether more insidious. Sturrock’s brilliance lies in his ability to transform this waiting—this moment of submission—into a deeply emotional experience. It’s not simply about what they are waiting for, but the fact that they are waiting at all, bound by invisible forces beyond their control.

The way Sturrock plays with this dynamic speaks to our era’s paradox—our existence defined by constant queues: for the next notification, the next coffee, the next hit of dopamine. But here, Sturrock manages to make something profound out of it, stripping back the layers of societal expectation to reveal a raw, almost sensual moment. It’s as if the figures, caught in this suspended moment, are waiting not just for the next cup of pleasure, but for the reward, the release—an indulgence, a craving fulfilled, a prize.

It’s a sexy kind of tension that’s almost palpable in this piece. At the end of the queue, there’s always something waiting—a prize, a feeling, a release. This is where Sturrock’s genius lies: in capturing not just the mechanics of our modern, consumer-driven lives, but the complicated, seductive play between control, surrender, and the deep emotional rush we chase through it all.

JSAI

#037 Que, 2021

Acrylic on canvas

70 x 70 cm / 27 x 27 inches

About the Work:

#037 Que is a deeply reflective piece, rooted in Crispin Sturrock’s exploration of the human psyche and societal patterns. Painted in the depths of pink—an emotive, almost otherworldly hue—this work features six sketched figures arranged in a ‘time-line’ formation. These figures stand in line, not just physically but symbolically, representing the paradox of modern existence.

The Essence Captured:

This piece does not simply depict reality—it captures its essence, encapsulating the complex relationship between waiting, control, and submission. The act of waiting is transformed into a powerful commentary on modern life, where we find ourselves in a never-ending queue: whether physically, in the form of breadlines for the starving, or in the digital age, waiting for that next dopamine hit from an app, a notification, or a cup of hot whatever. The subtle irony of this—where waiting is no longer for survival but for instant gratification—speaks to a deeper truth of our current moment.

Symbolism and Themes:

The figures in #037 Que stand in a ritualistic submission, a subconscious alignment to a system that urges them to follow, consume, and conform. The “pleasure of waiting” is, in essence, a commentary on our current societal structure—one that controls through anticipation and reward. From the breadlines of old to today’s queues at coffee shops or online platforms, there is a shared undercurrent: the surrender of individual will in exchange for the comfort of consumption.

The Paradox:

In this work, Sturrock addresses the paradox between human need and technological domination. The figures represent the struggle between inherent desires—survival, community, fulfillment—and the manipulation of those desires by modern systems that profit from our compliance. Whether it is the physical deprivation seen in past generations or the psychological manipulation of the current era’s consumerism, this work connects these seemingly disparate lines in an exploration of power, control, and dependence.

Size and Rarity:

#037 Que is a rare, smaller-scale piece (70 x 70 cm) that stands as a singular commentary on the power dynamics of the modern world. The intimate size of this work creates a subtle but intense interaction between the viewer and the piece, forcing a deeper personal reflection on the themes of subjugation, control, and the often-overlooked pleasures of waiting.

Crispin Sturrock’s Philosophy:

This painting, like all of Crispin’s works, is not merely a representation of the external world; it’s an invitation to explore the internal. The mind, with its curiosity and discomfort with the unknown, is drawn to these images that do not offer clear answers but provoke deeper thought. Art is not about painting a perfect reflection of reality; it is about capturing its essence—those moments that cannot be defined but must be felt. In #037 Que, Crispin invites the viewer to confront the truth of our time: the paradox of compliance and the subtle control we accept in our daily lives. The unknown meaning behind the figures, the queuing, and the waiting—it speaks to something much greater, hidden beneath the surface, something that resonates with the deepest parts of the human soul and spirit.

This outline blends Crispin’s ethos and the essence of his philosophy into a meaningful narrative for his collectors. It reflects both the conceptual depth of the work and its emotional impact, all while offering a rich discussion for potential buyers to engage with. Let me know if you’d like to adjust or expand on any part of it!