“Can’t Stand Me Now”

Original Oil Painting

Oil On Canvas 

100cm x 70cm

Created 2024

“Can’t Stand me Now” is a song  by The Libertines that was written and performed by lead singers Carl Barat and Pete Doherty. The song is autobiographical, documenting the breakdown of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat’s relationship which led to the ultimate split of the band. 

The relationship between the two is complex swinging from extremes of love and hate. Their relationship helped produce some of the most powerful songs that the UK has seen.

I wanted to show this complex relationship in the painting. I created squares of two different colours, red and cream all with the lyrics of the song embedded in them. This contrast of the two colours mirrored the contrast of their complex personalities. Suddenly and dramatically the colours merge together in the four squares at the top of the painting just as their love for each other merges together to produce songs of genius.. 

“Can’t Stand Me Now” is also available as a signed limited edition print, please see the “Musician” series on the limited edition print section of the website.

If you would like to commission James to paint your favourite Musician please email James at james@jamesearleyartist.com