Paintings
87 articles
Painting is one of the oldest art forms, involving the use of a brush to apply paint or other types of medium to a surface, be it paper, wood, or canvas. For the best of us, the answer to what’s art is “painting,” an art form that has been around since time immemorial.
Paintings are found across practically every culture, and they are the core visual record of our experiences and the world around us. And, in saying so, paintings have a history of remarkable complexity.
Significant milestones in the world of paintings include illusionism, which was emphasized in traditional western art; the parity between abstract and figures in painting; the emergence of oil painting, and the important historical movements in the art sphere, such as abstract expressionism, cubism, impressionism, the baroque, and the renaissance.
German artist Anselm Kiefer has long maintained a studio at Barjac in southern France, where he assembled his large sculptures and painted some of his dark, disturbing canvases. Now he has abandoned the site, with the wish that it be allowed to “revert to nature.” People exploring the site have been struck by these towers, […]
These are Anselm Kiefer’s teetering towers Read More
Barbara Kruger’s art is easily one of the most recognizable on the planet. Characterized by the bold white Futura Oblique and sometimes caps locked sans serif, her artwork forces audiences to take a hard look at the institutions that she satirizes. Both direct and political, her art is designed to question the modern political and
What font is used in Barbara Kruger’s art? Read More
As an outspoken social rights activist, Keith Haring was not one to shy away from controversy. His Berlin Wall Mural is just that – controversial and provocative. In fact, Haring himself told The New York Times that the mural was a “subversive” act that was meant to make a political statement
Keith Haring’s subversive Berlin Wall mural – The story behind Read More
During his lifetime, Andy Warhol was always allied with the notion of celebrity. Andy Warhol understood the allure of global celebrity and its effects on contemporary society long before gossip blogs were even a thing. Even more pointedly was his fascination with starlets, it-girls, and famous actresses of that time whom he would often immortalize
Why did Andy Warhol paint Marilyn Monroe? Read More
The Fondation Beyeler sheds light on the exciting relationship between Alberto Giacometti and Francis Bacon. Both artists have created impressive works, which are now among the most expensive artworks. How did they inspire each other? The age difference between the older Giacometti and Bacon is eight years. Even before meeting him in person, the younger
Giacometti / Bacon at Fondation Beyeler – The exhibition of the year? Read More
In the bustling heart of Paris, amidst its iconic boulevards and timeless architecture, lies a sanctuary dedicated to one of the most profound artistic minds of the 20th century: Alberto Giacometti. The Institut Giacometti, a beacon for art enthusiasts and historians alike, stands as a living testament to the indelible mark this Swiss sculptor and
The new, intimate Giacometti museum in Paris – A first look Read More
As far as famous pop artists go, it truly does not get any better than Roy Lichtenstein. His style of comic art use made him one of the most well-known and respected pop artists. His work has helped to inspire thousands of artists to hone their craft. His incredible pieces such as the Times Square
Roy Lichtenstein’s largest & most impressive paintings Read More
The Rothko Chapel has been providing a space for people in need of spiritual guidance and meditation since it was established back in 1971. The Rothko Chapel was founded and dedicated as an intimate sanctuary that was open for anyone of any religious or spiritual belief by Houston philanthropists Dominique and John De Menil. What
What is Rothko’s Chapel in Houston all about? Read More
At 78 years old, Ed Ruscha has perfected his artistic skills to the extent that he can express the noises of everyday life on a canvas. When he began his art in 1961, no one would have thought that the works that had words written over them would translate into such epic levels of fame.
At 78 years old, Ed Ruscha has perfected his artistic skills Read More
Brad Downey has consolidated a reputation for himself in the street art community as an artist who has a flair for navigating gray areas in society. His work in public is an expert combination of culture and sensationalism, which are both presented and partnered with media-friendly and pop culture acceptable imagery. I’m Lovin It mural
McDonald’s didn’t pay for Brad Downey’s mural Read More
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles may feel hidden because of its downtown location. For a long time since it was designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, it has been associated with its less conspicuous qualities. Since L.A. painter Jonas Wood covered the museum building facade with a reproduction of his Still Life
Jonas Wood’s still life mural covers the entire Los Angeles MoCA Read More
One of the most central components of contemporary art is its relation to politics – from the government structures as subject matter and current global events to questions of how aesthetic representation can remedy or simulate gaps in political representation to the manner in which identity is being politicized. Mostly, it is usually someone from
George W. Bush’s paintings – Critics surprised by their quality Read More
Suburban is a complex film and photography installation by New York-based Australian artist Ian Strange. Suburban was created by Strange as a result of a collaboration with a film crew and volunteers from different parts of America, including Alabama, Detroit, New Hampshire, Ohio and New York. Over the course of three months, Strange and the
Ian Strange burns down suburban houses in the name of art Read More
Crack is Wack is regarded as the Keith Haring’s most important painting and the most iconic mural in the New York neighborhoods. When former art student Alejandro Bonilla Sr. first saw the Crack is Wack mural, he said: I saw it, and I thought: that must be a Keith Haring! That shows just how well-recognized
Keith Haring’s Crack is Wack mural – From illegal to protected Read More
A group of Moscow art members, also known as the “Members of War” or more popularly as Voina have racked up quite the reputation for themselves as art rebels. The group is famous for faking gay beatings at local malls or portraying Russia’s federal museum director in an orgy. On the morning of famed revolutionary
Why did Russian collective Voina paint this gigantic phallus? Read More
Guernica is one of Pablo Picasso’s most famous works. This mural-sized oil painting on canvas was done in 1937. He used a palette of gray, white, and black colors to bring out a political statement denouncing the unnecessary sufferings brought about by bombings caused by the German Fascist regime. The nearly 3.5 meters tall by
Picasso’s Guernica – Everything you need to know Read More
South Korea’s traditional illustrative and art history is immovable; however, cultural and artistic experimentation will always be relentless. Sea Hyun Lee demonstrates his understanding of just how true the above statement is through his art. He manages to join the two forces of past and present together to create Between the Red. Inspiration Sea Hyun
Who is Korean painter Sea Hyun Lee? Read More
When the iconic gallerist Jeffrey Deitch swapped the East Coast for West Coast, many wondered about the state of street art in New York City. Granted, the newer generation of gallerists such as Joshua Liner and Jonathan Levine had become preeminent curators with their fresh take on street art. However, with his unlimited resources, Deitch
Barry McGee’s tag murals – Walls covered with hundreds of red tags Read More
Many artists often find that they have to immerse themselves in the landscapes and the environment that they paint. This not only helps when capturing the true essence of the subjects to be featured in the art, but it also helps the artist gain a deeper understanding of the subjects regarding their feelings, emotions, and
Steve Mumford’s paintings show what happens in war-torn areas Read More
