World Art - by Craig Hill

Art reviews Popular culture - World Art

Star Wars Renaissance Paintings

September 4th 2008 03:31

The Force was with us a Long, Long Time ago

Yoda regails the Nymphs

The 14th century renaissance period in Europe, so named because of its “rebirth” of artistic and intellectual expression was arguably the richest time in human history for art, religion and science.

The Venus De Leia?

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, (Earth in 1977) a film called Star Wars came along and triggered a renaissance of its own. One that reignited cinema audiences appreciation of the classical 1930/40’s serials and adventure romps.

Da Vinci goes Wookie

Taking traditional mythologies and inserting them into a contemporary, lived in future opened many eyes to the possibility that a postmodern approach to the past was desirable.

Grievous on the Throne

As with most successful ventures, the hand was eventually overplayed and illustrated by the disappointment that many feel for the continuation of the saga in the last decade.

Vader taller than Napoleon but the dark Side is strong

It seems logical then that the Photoshop competition site worth1000.com would embrace this renaissance idea with a call for gurus to create images that draw on George Lucas’ massively influential space opera. Images that draw on the philosophical revolution from centuries ago to reinvigorate its historical significance with a motif leaning towards cleansing the decaying quality of wasted opportunity into real world context.

The horrors of a trooper facism

I have included just a few examples from the worth1000 site that I found pleasing, to view the complete body of entries into the competition please click HERE.

Look closer and use the force

Vote

Comments (1)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Art reviews, Film reviews, Popular culture, Exhibitions & Performances

Email this Post to a Friend

Position Art with Stavaros

June 22nd 2008 00:06

Stavros says

Position Art by Stavros

Stavros - “Position art has a unique position in art”

The website theworldismycanvas.com is the brainchild of Stavros, a living parody of the Artist as innovator. Showman, promoter and comedian, as a self fulfilling entity Stavros has coined his own discipline called position art.

Stavros - "I remember when I was younger I was much smaller”

Stavros leaves his footprints on art

Using a portable GPS unit as his brush and “The world as his canvas”, Stavros maps his trips and then walks along a calculated route in order to render an image on the globe.

Stavros masters the art of sitting

Referring to himself in the third person, the royal we is in play as the footage below is hosted by the one and only visionary Stavros. Explaining the concept of position art the website itself too has much to offer and is worth a visit.

Meet Stavros – A tutorial

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Artist profiles, Art reviews, Popular culture

Email this Post to a Friend

There’s Something About Mona?

March 18th 2008 00:06

Stalking Mona Lisa

The lady in question?

The Mona Lisa is arguably the most recognised and famous painting in art history. Created by the equally mythical Leonardo Da Vinci the oil painting done on a canvas of poplar has been excessively obsessed upon like no other work.

Why has it triggered a timeless fascination with the public, critics and connoisseurs? Delivered to the world in the 16th century, what is it about this particular Italian Renaisance piece that has inspired this epic analysis?

Displayed in France’s Musée du Louvre in Paris under the title “Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo.” As with many revolutionary creative expressions, the Mona Lisa was not recognised until centuries later in the mid 1800’s.

The Louvre - A gallery of Treasures

Having seen the priceless jewel of creation first hand in the Louvre I can attest that it is not its physical size or majesty. Much smaller than you would expect the Mona Lisa is on a panel that measures 77 × 53 cm.

Undoubtedly moving, there is an element of spiritual awakening seing this important work face to face, which blossoms a yearning to examine it thoroughly. It doesn’t take long to notice the mood of mystery that beams from Mona’s face.

The much discussed smile, smirk, grin has been read numerous ways. Its aura interpreted into every form from malicious to malevolent. The eyes that follow you around the room, no matter the viewer’s position always sitting in judgement.

Then there is the choice of composition, a half portrait. Closer more intimate than the full anatomy in the frame. More removed that a zoomed in traditional portrait. The textured colours and shapes permeate an atmosphere of melancholy.

There are not enough hours in the day to examine every rich detail of this elegant image, I only hope my words inspire you to embark on further investigation.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Art reviews, Popular culture

Email this Post to a Friend

Henry Fuseli

February 20th 2008 03:29

Henry Fuseli

Fuseli's famous Nightmares

Born in Switzerland in 1741 and dying 1825 Henry Fuseli is a classic gothic painter of the macabre with few equals.

From wikipedia:
“As a painter, Fuseli was daringly inventive, and always aspired to the highest forms of excellence. He favoured the supernatural, and pitched everything on an ideal scale, believing a certain amount of exaggeration necessary in the higher branches of historical painting….The violent and intemperate action which he often displays, in the conventional wisdom, destroys the grand effect of many of his pieces.”

Adam and Eve

Fluent in several languages he also gained respect for his writing on art. Forced to leave his native land after clashing with the bureaucratic injustices of the time he spent a lot of time in Germany and Britain.

I remember seeing Fuseli’s work as a child and being unnerved by it, now it is inspirational. There is a strong atmosphere of darkness that permeates even his more picturesque works, his surrealism of motion and attention to detail command an emotional response from the observer.

Henry's world

Existing largely in the grotesque later in life, his early years were spent gaining a classical education and with a painter for a father seemed destined to create more traditional pieces.

Thriving on the horror of imagination and seldom drawing from real life Fuseli’s “adult fairytale” quality was underestimated in his lifetime. Though he did receive a measure of success few of his painting were exhibited and those that were only impressed those willing to embrace their unique nature.

Silence

Looking at the stunning renderings now it is hard to imagine not being affected by their strength of will and metaphysical comments on the world in which we live. It is the innate beauty and sensuality of these disturbing subjects that forces me and may others to declare Fuseli a master.

Henry Fuseli

Vote

Comments (1)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Artist profiles, Art reviews, Popular culture

Email this Post to a Friend

Movie Art.

February 16th 2008 00:03

Moving Pictures become stationary objects

Gene Tierney

An artists muse comes from anything that inspires their creative passions of expression. In the classic era it was often the real world that ignited the imagination but now the media saturation of the last century has emerged with its’ own set of emotive imagery.

Imaginary Friends by Justin Read

Treated with the same disdain as fantasy and comic art in some circles, paintings of cinema idols often fails to trigger an emotional response in anyone other than fans of the subject matter.

Warhols Elvis from the movie Flaming Star

Defined as part of the pop art universe pioneered by Andy Warhol with his famous prints of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley etc, the popularity of capturing screen gods on canvas in sketch and painting has grown ever since.

A Warhol style image of Steve McQueen in Bullitt

A self confessed film lover myself, I admit that sometimes this medium can be lazy and merely an echo of what has already been processed in its original form on celluloid.

Marla Singer in Fight Club

Along with professionals, the advent of online technology has allowed geeks globally to share their artistic interpretations of their favourite big screen characters.

Cult Characters

There generally seems to be two separate disciplines at work here, the fan inspired art which tends to be sci-fi/fantasy or cult orientated and classic silver screen legends of the past.

Frank The Bunny from Donnie Darko

There are exceptions to every rule though, shown aptly in this beautiful rendering of Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in the Gunfight at the Ok Corral western Tombstone.

Val Kilmer in Tombstone

Sadly I didn’t have much time to source images today so there is still an avalanche of fine examples available to be found for those interested. I do hope that this brief selection at least illustrates the aesthetic quality that elevates movie art beyond a hobby into the realm of artistic merit.

The popular Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Artist profiles, Art reviews, Popular culture

Email this Post to a Friend

Art in blood.

February 2nd 2008 05:29

Jordan Eagles

Jordan Eagles let's the blood run free

Art has always had a broad meaning, often it is a subjective point of view formed from life experience and learning that defines the individual perception of…what is art.

Broader still is the means of expression, tools and mediums employed to optimize an artists own creative expression. Proof positive of this is the challenging dye chosen to decorate the canvases of New York based artist Jordan Eagles.

Jordan Eagles at work

Painted in animal blood for its unique texture, reflective qualities and overall composition, Jordan Eagles has naturally sparked a flow of controversy ever since his first started nearly a decade ago.
“The curves and flows, created with blood allow the sleek and smooth synthetic elements to exist in harmony with the organic” – Quote from Jordaneagles.com

Open for discussion

An exhibition of his latest creations is currently on display at the Mark Wolfe Contemporary Art Gallery in San Francisco. A report on mmdnewswire.com says that the lead up to the show met with a lot of opposition. According to the site the concept is to “explore themes of regeneration and the physical and intangible connections between body, spirit and nature.”

In 2006 the Village voice said "As seemingly ghoulish as the impulse appears on paper, in person, Eagles and his work are anything but macabre… Light reflects off its smooth, hard surface, but it also penetrates the work's interior, bouncing through resin and pigment before spilling out again," (From jordaneagles.com press page)

Phas 1 & 2

Personally I am opposed to accepting the realities of mass wild stock slaughter but feel it’s positive to use all bi-products of inevitable killing for food. Despite what I may feel about the use of animal blood as paint it is impossible for me to deny the aesthetic allure of Eagles work.

The striking colours and arcing patterns draw the eye and have a texture that makes me believe a digital image is no comparison to seeing the paintings first hand. Sad that the display may never reach Australian shores for me to find out.

Splat

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Art reviews, Popular culture, Exhibitions & Performances

Email this Post to a Friend

Tim Fort’s Kinetic Art

January 18th 2008 03:18

Tim Fort’s Kinetic Art

Tim Fort's Kinetic Art

It seems that many readers are garnering the same sort of wonder I am out of spotlighting out-of-the-box contemporary art. Your responses to obtuse mediums like Sand Art, Nail Art, the Groovin Artist and Ice Sculpture have been very encouraging. Thank You.

In the same vein I have just discovered an artisan by the name of Tim Fort who specialises in what he calls “Kinetic Art”. Now at a glance this may just look like the age old dominos routine, but look closer. Sure there is all the precision, coordination and limitless patience that goes into tumbling rectangular dice but also something more.

Try this at home, I dare you

Quoting Tim’s own site, lunatim.com he describes his medium as:
“To the uninitiated, my kinetic gadgets are gnarly chain-reaction devices that collapse and explode in, like, really cool ways; to the discerning aesthete, they're entropy-generating entities designed to confront the observer and challenge their paradigms for processing reductivistic-mechanistic Weltanschauungen from a post-modernistic perspective.”

There is a beauty watching this cleverly edited and highly inventive collapse of objects that employs a myriad of chain reaction techniques.

harder than it looks

The clip below is a great example of Tim Fort’s work and though it may not delve deep into the psyche to express something about the universal experiences of humanity it is aesthetically rivetting.

If you are interested I highly recommend checking out Lunatim.com for more information. Amongst other attractions his goal of building a digital computer out of popsicle sticks is downright inspirational.

Marvel at Tim Fort's Kinetic Art

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Miscellany, Artist profiles, Art reviews, Popular culture

Email this Post to a Friend

Nail Art

January 11th 2008 02:09

Hammer Splendour

The Process begins

No I’m not talking about painting fingernails in exquisite fashions, decorating digits with bright colours. Instead this is a brand new application for the essential carpentry
tool. Usually employed to join timber in construction, this group of inventive and patient artisans have found an alternate application, all together more pleasing to the eye.

Slow and steady

There is something compelling about looking at the process and care taken to achieve a conversion of raw materials into an emotive art work. Constructed on a large canvas of wood, the nails are driven in strategic positions, manipulated to achieve illustration. Demanding several workers, their muse, the famous Da Vinci self portrait, comes to life with an alternate essence to the original.

Hammering away

It is easy to see that this relatively new medium demands precision and a degree of ingenuity to achieve tone and depth. Looking at the finished product, all the hours of intensive labour are confirm the sacrifice.

Surveying the progress

Sadly a search of the internet revealed no more information about these images that a friend sent me. Impressive enough that it didn’t stop me sharing it with all you eager fans of artistic expression. Even without specifics, I hope you marvel.

That looks right

Time for a set square and ruler

Revealing itself

A worthy conclusion

100

Vote

Comments (4)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Miscellany, Artist profiles, Art reviews, Popular culture

Email this Post to a Friend

The Groovin Artist

December 18th 2007 00:12

Painting to Dance

I’m on a bit of a performance art kick at the moment and foraging through you tube footage I stumbled upon this delight.

This is urban visual art to a distinct beat, expressing a creative soul. What may just look like some guy in street ware prancing around like a show horse reveals itself to be more. There is a grand design to the piece, a twist of perception that like the sand art previewed a few weeks ago is fluid in execution and the pleasure is found in the journey of style.

Set in an atmosphere of nightclub lights and throbbing rhythm a lone painter bops his way around the stage splashing white onto a spotlight canvas. Administering the material with a seemingly casual aplomb, gradually a picture begins to emerge.

There is distinct street culture ingenuity to the act. You can tell that it would entertain in on a crowded New York street just as aptly as onstage.

Sadly I couldn’t find out any information about the artist or even an official name for this merging of disciplines. The lack of more details is vexing. I have asked for more information from the youtube author and if I get it then rest assured I will share it.

Here is the dancing artist and his work…a word of advice, make sure you watch till the very end.

Vote

Comments (2)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Miscellany, Art reviews, Popular culture, Exhibitions & Performances

Email this Post to a Friend

Fantasy Art

October 21st 2007 01:15

Fantasy Art

The Centaur

Often disrespected in artistic circles is the fantasy artist. Conjuring visions of imaginary fiction splashed with abrupt colours or grim noir tones. The work often transports the willing audience into their own minds eye of adventurous, dangerous and deadly wonders.

A mutation of nature or beauty?

A contemporary face to the classic painting of ancient mythology there is an undeniable surreal pop element to its influences. Magical, supernatural and sci-fi themes dominate the subject matter.

Often inspired by existing literary stories that were birthed in books, comics or films the artists are of fans of. Designed to evoke a response there is a raw sexuality to strong females and heroic muscular men. Fairies appear alongside natural splendour, goblins and trolls lurk below dark bridges.

Blood Druid

Beautiful Unicorns, powerful dragons, regal knights and mutated monsters fill a frame. Mermaids dance in the waves and underwater paradises, there can be something idyllic in certain images, frightening in others.

Two artists capture a unicorn

Fair maidens in peril rescued by the brave and daring, these pictures sometimes tell a story of inspiration or horror.

A more traditional image

The digital age has caused an explosion of new ideas and fresh renderings. The work can now be rendered in 3 dimensions adding sheen previously unseen in any other genre.

Precise and complex 3D

Manipulating pixels and moulding shapes to result in richly detailed, splendid and provocative works. A new era of creation as the tools used to paint these shots increase in accuracy and depth.

Computer programs have replaced the easel and brush but this doesn’t mean that the final product is any less “artistic” than those painted centuries ago. Taking patience and a steady hand, there seems to be prejudice due to the ease of which a mistake can be erased.

Improbability Drive

I personally find quality fantasy art in all its forms old and new, fabulously inspirational. Accessible thanks to the internet this is a style of drawings that can be readily expressed by amateurs and professionals and continues to grow faster than most alternate disciplines.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Dexter - Category: Art reviews, Popular culture

Email this Post to a Friend

[ World Art Home ] [ Create A New Post ]