Neither the gesture nor the palette of Todd Hunter’s paintings are determinedly jagged or harsh and yet nor are they smooth. There is a vigour and angularity that is enabled by a highly energetic and robust act of drawing – a regime that sets in place a strong but discreet scaffolding for his subsequent material adventures – a framework for the nigh-on asperous energy that leavens his wonderful painting.

The punchy calligraphy of his gesture can turn fast or slow, the brushstroke can be loaded with pigment yet dissipate abruptly as the bristles discharge their material under his persuasive action. Within this range of marks, Hunter has established a very particular vocabulary, one that is closer to Bukowski than Shakespeare to be sure.