Sorry It's been a bit quiet here lately. I've been trying to keep my head down and actually produce some art for a change (instead of just writing about it!).
Internet marketing, blogging, twittering and tweeting etc is all well and good - and important - but highly addictive and leaves precious little time for painting ! I've also been suffering from a severe dose of 'writers block'. Well you know how it goes: there I am, waiting to find something interesting to come along.... then, just like buses........!
During the last couple of weeks while I've been back in London I've tried to make the most of all this exciting city has to offer and fit in as much 'Cul-cha' (as my American friend calls it) as I can. There are some wonderful exhibitions on right now so, as well as visiting my regular and favourite haunts (The Wallace Collection and Tate Britain) I've been doing the rounds.
One of the most impressive exhibitions was the 'Byzantium 330-1453' at the Royal Academy of Arts. I've written about it extensively on my other blog 'Painting Skiathos' so I won't bore those of you who subscribe to both by repeating it all again here. I will say though: "Go and see it if you possibly can - its well worth it!"
In complete contrast - from the ancient world to the modern - another equally as impressive, is the 'Picasso - Challenging the Past' exhibition at The National Gallery:
Now, I have to admit I'm not a fan - never have been - and perhaps it was unfair to go along straight after seeing the exquisite art and craftsmanship of the Byzantine period on show at the RA but I was prepared to be won over so I went along with an open mind. There are many paintings on show (several of which I'd never seen before) that chart Picasso's development as an artist through his career from his early years right up to his final works:
Self Portrait with Palette1905, Pablo Picasso(1881-1973)
, oil on canvas, 92 x 73 cm
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania
A.E.Gallatin Collection 1950 (1950-1-1)
©Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo Graydon Wood/Succession Picasso/DACS 2009
Seated Nude, 1909-10Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Oil on canvas, 92.1 x 73 cm.
Tate, London (NO5904)
©Tate/Succession Picasso/DACS 2009
Sleeping Nude with Blonde Hair, 1932Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Oil on canvas 130 x 162 cm.
Nahmad Collection, Switzerland
©Photo courtesy of the owner/Succession Picasso/DACS 2009
Women of Algiers, 1955Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Oil on canvas, 114 x 146.4 cm.
European Private Collection
©Photo courtesy of Libby Howie/Succession Picasso/DACS 2009
This particular exhibition focuses on the huge range of styles he employed and the influence that painters he admired, had on his work. Some works were undoubtedly impressive but I have to admit I was not particularly 'moved', inspired or found myself in awe of any of them. While I can of course fully appreciate and acknowledge the unprecedented influence he has had on the art world....I'm afraid I still just don't get it! So, while Picasso reigns supreme, and his portrayal of the female form:
Nude Woman in Red Armchair, 1932Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Oil on canvas, 129.9 x 92.2 cm.
Tate London (NO6205)
©Tate/Succession Picasso/DACS 2009
Tribute to Picasso, 2009Yvonne Ayoub
Watercolour 19 x 13 cm
©Yvonne Ayoub 2009
and I ask:
"Am I wrong? Am I alone in this? I'm I just ignorant?"
If so, PLEASE someone - ENLIGHTEN ME!
I'd be interested to hear your own point of view so please feel free to leave a comment:
Yvonne, I came over to check out my award (for which I thank you) and then just started reading, as you do. I was fascinated with the "Pete the Street" posting, he sounds like the sort of artist it would be good to meet....a real character :-)
ReplyDeleteThen, I couldn't help but read on.....because I don't get it either and I feel as though I should. I have a deep rooted love of art and have spent many happy hours in various galleries but Picasso doesn't cut it for me. I long ago came to the conclusion that art is a very personal thing.
So then I could say that I appreciate realism on a personal level. But, that explanation doesn't really work either because I love the vibrancy of Van Gogh but his work could hardly be described as realism!
I would find it is interesting to see the comments of someone that does enjoy his work.
ChrissyX