Service Exhibition Artwork Appraisal

Todd (from the Service exhibition)

This is an original contemporary painting titled 'Todd,' created by artist Courtney Jolliff for his debut Detroit exhibition, 'Service.' The work is executed in an expressive, neo-expressionist style characterized by bold, gestural brushstrokes and a muted yet impactful color palette of grays, blacks, and browns, accented by vibrant pops of orange and a striking yellow crown above the subject's head. The painting depicts a central figure standing beside a motorcycle, set against a stylized urban skyline background. A prominent feature is the word 'SERVICE' written across the lower portion of the canvas, with a horizontal line drawn through it, adding a layer of social commentary. Below this, the phrase 'is my' appears to be partially written. The medium appears to be acrylic or oil on a rectangular white canvas. The application of paint is thick and textural, suggesting a fast, emotive execution. Given its recent creation (circa 2023-2024), the condition appears excellent with no visible signs of aging or damage. The piece is highly significant within the artist's body of work, representing a personal narrative of resilience following a 2022 house fire and honoring individuals from his period of homelessness.