Hot and Blurry Summer Paintings of the City

Given the recent heat wave that has hit New York City, artist Philip Barlow’s blurry renditions of a crowded city really resonate with me. The South Africa-based painter’s series simply titled The City depicts a photorealistic interpretation of a busy, out-of-focus urban setting that seems to reflect the glow of a vibrant sun beating down on the pavements. Barlow captures the soft focus effect perfectly in these oil paintings, further intensifying the overwhelming crowds and sweltering heat. With the hazy, blurred out faces, architecture, and other visually defining landmarks, these throngs of people on the streets can belong to any city in the world during summertime.