Modern Art – Kinda Growing on me!
Like most sensible people, you probably lost interest in modern art about the time that Julian Schnabel was painting broken pieces of the crockery that his wife had thrown at him for painting broken pieces of crockery instead of painting the bathroom and hall.
P. J. O'Rourke
One of the joys of living in London is pretty much free access to some of the most iconic art in the world, within it’s three hundred plus galleries you can feast one's eyes on such masterpieces as Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the National Gallery or Caligula’s Palace and Bridge at Tate Britain or The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse also at the Tate. I love all these old master pieces however, the thing I’ve never really had much time for, (and yes, I know I’m a bit of a heathen!!), is “Modern” art. Things like Mud Dream 5 by Maggi Hambling is I’m sure a wonderful piece of art but frankly, I just don’t get it!
My attitude to this may just be changing however, I’ve seen some “installation” art recently which has left me awe struck. One in particular was Liz West’s Rainbow Installation at the Natural History Museum. Installation art has the ability to transform its surroundings and invite viewers to observe art from new perspectives. In addition to size and material, installation artists love to experiment with colour. One trend that has recently taken the art world by storm is the use of a wild and varied colour palettes, often referred to as “Rainbow” palettes. No idea what I’m talking about? Well, like most forms of artistic expression, installed works can be found in numerous locations. Some, like the ethereal thread exhibits of Gabriel Dawe, migrate between museums. Others, like the paper art creations of Mademoiselle Maurice, bring splashes of colour to city streets. Most, however, are custom-made for gallery spaces and bring kaleidoscopic colours to their often monochromatic settings. No matter the location, these artists’ rainbow art installations are sure to dazzle viewers with their dreamy colour compositions. Still no idea what I’m droning on about – here’s a few examples;
Texas-based artist Gabriel Dawe is renowned for his location specific installations composed of twisting and turning Technicolor threads. Large-scale and seemingly shape-shifting, his pieces can add a pop of spectral colour to any setting.
French artist Mademoiselle Maurice installs colourful and ephemeral origami works throughout the world’s major cities. With each piece of bright and bold public art, she aims to embellish ordinary streets and mundane buildings.
For her ongoing 100 Colours series, French architect and designer Emmanuelle Moureaux creates polychromatic, interactive exhibitions based on a 100-tone palette.
Using shredded paper, artist Travis Rice designs large-scale installations that overflow with colour. Apparently inspired by Impressionism, Rice strives to evoke movement through his peculiar practice. Writing in the Telegraph recently, “The approach is similar to that of the impressionist painter, but the brush stroke has been replaced by individual thin strips of paper that are the resultant product of a mechanical shredder,” he says. “The constructed forms are meant to imply frozen motion often starting from the ceiling and cascading to the floor.”
Artist Liz West creates “vivid environments that mix luminous colour and radiant light.” Though her penchant for polychromatic colour schemes, apparent in much of her work, she often experiments with mediums and style, culminating in a diverse and unique creation.
The eclectic compositions of Spanish design firm Brut Deluxe conveys an artistic interest in architecture and industrial design. Yǔzhòu, an interactive installation created for the Luneng Sanya Bay Light and Art Festival in China, invites visitors to enter a labyrinth-like environment composed of dazzling multi-coloured lights.
There’s loads more of these from artists such as Li Hongbo, Megan Geckler and Markus Linnenbrink. Coming to a city near you, look out for them they’re well worth a visit!
What’s on today;
Head, Eyes & Teeth – Catwa Head, Rigged Eyes and teeth - Catya v3.2
Hair – Navy+Copper - Chelsea HeadSize2 @ Oct/Nov round of UBER
Skin – Amara Beauty – Antonia 04 Catwa Applier
Body, Hands & Feet – Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara V4.0
Physics – Temptation – 5.5 BONUS C+ D+ SuperTease - Physics
Shape – [Elle et Lui] Tyler Shape - Catwa Bento Head Catya - Maitreya
Necklaces – EF: Empyrean Forge, Sequoia, Long, Medium & Short
Jacket, Top & Leggings – Scandalize Anna @ Oct/Nov round of UBER
Trainers – Blueberry - Tinker Set - Sneakers - Maitreya
Pictures take @ Narcisse
