Friday, February 4, 2011

Abstract/Contemporary "vs." Traditional" Art

In art circles these days, it seems many artists have arranged themselves in one of two opposing "camps": abstract/contemporary artists vs traditional (representational) artists. Some arts organizations have even sprung up to entrench these divisions, separating "us" from "them" with decidedly militant-sounding editorials and websites. Some proponents of "traditional" art completely dismiss anything "modernist" as worthless - not even art. The same can be said for some modernists' views of traditional art.

Seems humans aren't happy unless they can create drama and conflict.

I'm not sure why such a gulf has to exist.

I've been painting for about 25 years, taking it seriously in the last 8-10 years. My work to date would be considered "traditional" in style - certainly representational. I'm not sure I would consider it "art." Craft, yes, but art....? Let me explain...

A couple of years ago I'll admit to a certain boredom with my subject matter - I think my feeling at the time could be summed up by: who really cares to see yet another painting of a woman, a sunset, or a seashore? I mean really...who cares? Yeah, the technique may be beautiful, the lighting exquisite, and the subject well-rendered, but really, what is this saying? I realized my paintings weren't saying much at all. I felt they had no depth, no "soul." They certainly weren't representing what was in my own soul. I was simply painting pretty pictures - things that were appealing to the eye and that sold when hung on a gallery wall. But I had ignored the soul of the painting - and my own too.

And what's art without soul?

It's certainly not art...

So I set about to try to free "soul" in my paintings...and it's something I'll explore for the rest of my life I'm sure. It's also the core of what my course and book will cover. To start things off, I thought I would try abstraction...it looked pretty easy, so why not, right?

Do you "traditional" artists know how utterly difficult it is to create a really well-executed abstract? Try it sometime - I was shocked at how horrible the resulting "art" looked as a whole. Thankfully I had wonderful training and knew how to use my materials (brushes, paints, canvas, etc.), but I had no idea how to compose and execute an abstract painting.

It's not easy - I gained a profound respect for gifted modernists.

I also realized that there are a few things both camps can learn from the other:

-Modernists can learn that there is a huge value in thorough study of the materials and techniques of their chosen media. I have seen a lot of "modern art" where it's obvious that the artist really didn't have a clear understanding of things such as paint handling and application, color mixing, drawing, and composition (for a painter).

-Traditionalists can learn that there is value in learning how to create a pleasing painting absent in obvious subject matter. You'll learn the true importance of value, color, transitions, line, shape, balance, and composition.

-I learned that with modern art, the state of your inner being is more readily apparent in your work. I haven't done a scientific study on this, but I've noted repeatedly that abstract artists with, for example, fast-moving/energetic minds tend to create mostly fast-moving and energetic paintings. This isn't so obvious in traditional or representational pieces - the subject matter and traditional technique can camouflage a lot.

-Both camps can learn the absolute necessity of painting what's in your heart and soul - not what someone else tells you is the "right" thing to paint. When it comes right down to it, you're the best judge of what is right for you. Creating from your soulspace is freeing, energizing, and absolutely satisfying.

I explore 3 different painting styles now...realism with mythic and surreal elements, abstraction, and a hybrid of the two. I'm excited about integrating the two camps in my own work - it seems to give me the balance I crave. And I now look forward to easel time, rather than dread it!

There is always something I can learn from someone else...I'm thankful that I gave abstraction a chance to speak to me and broaden my mind, and my art.

No comments:

Post a Comment