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

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

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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

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

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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.