excerpt

An excerpt from a past online post:

The application of paint on a flat surface is a tool that replicates the physical and the spiritual. In other words, painting can imitate what we see, feel or think about. The art of painting is the ability to observe, memorise and manipulate what we see in terms of shapes and colours. There are those who are extremely good at imitating what they see - just like a photographic camera. Such imitators just want to test and improve their painting skills, maybe even to satisfy their need of impressing the general public with their photographic techniques. After all, everyone can appreciate with great ease a photographic painting of a portrait, landscape or seascape. But why should we still be bothered to replicate a view on a paper or canvas when the exact process can be done with the use of a digital photographic camera, possibly combined with the use of an electronic photographic editing software, to achieve the desired result? In fact, history of art demonstrates that the art of painting took a very different direction immediately following the invention of the photographic camera. Painting became more sophisticated and more challenging, whereby the painter competed with the camera and tried to paint what the photographic camera cannot portray. Yes, the painter tried to depict the non-visible, the abstract, the spiritual. And this was only successful if the painter worked while being truly haunted by a concept or overwhelmed by an emotion. It is truly the biggest challenge to produce a painting that can transmit particular thoughts or emotions (perceived by viewers of the painting). However, the continuous effort to depict inner thoughts and feelings led the artist to be more individualistic and not so much compelled to follow one, commonly-defined style or formula. Not convinced about the latter? Just visit the contemporary museums and galleries, or simply browse the internet for images of contemporary paintings. You will see that there is no common style, no common goal, no common definition of contemporary art. Some perceive this negatively, as if we are living in an art crisis, where artists are living in a very doubtful atmosphere. Lots of such uncertainty has stemmed by the views of the general public which has been scorning modern and contemporary art for ages, arguing that art became elitist by being attractive mainly to the selective, art-knowledgeable audience. Contemporary art gave rise to the unfortunate necessity for information panels displayed along paintings in art galleries in order to explain the artwork. Psychologists wrote more books and papers on the meaning of art. The artists themselves became also more prompted to explain their work, often in front of video cameras or interviewees (mainly journalists), to document their intention for future reference, even after their death. But, shouldn't a painting stand on its own for others to evaluate? Is it really necessary to have contemporary paintings explained by their artists in order to understand and appreciate them? Is it also necessary to justify the validity of contemporary paintings with text and words? 

And, yes, let us not forget that painting is a prehistoric invention which somehow managed to survive thousands of years and continues to find its way in contemporary art exhibition spaces. Yet, whilst contemporary artists continue dipping their brush in paint, many sustain that painting is an obsolete practice, often tagging painters as traditional and claiming that contemporary artists should opt for more innovative means of expressing themselves in this digital era. But, ultimately, the art of painting is just another tool which should continue to be considered when other media fail in interpreting and satisfying one's own statements. 

first

i painted this shortly after a very emotional experience. i think that, for the first time, i managed to let myself go. this work was done in a relatively short time (less than 2-3 hours) and without any preliminary sketch, not even a preconceived idea of the end result. ultimately the whole point was to capture my inner self and produce a relic of an important event that i had just experienced. i felt the need to do this painting as soon as possible, whilst the entire experience was still fresh in my mind. i definitely wont let this painting get away from me, ever!

can't paint

"Artists are plagued with doubt." the latter is quoted from Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art by Kristine Stiles and Peter Selz. this catching phrase was actually a great consolation to me because i am trapped in confusion and completely disoriented. maybe this 'problem' arose because today's art is not as universal as it used to be in the past. today's art is based more on the artist's individual perspective. and individuality is harder to comprehend than universality. the more art becomes difficult to comprehend, the less it is readily accepted by both art critics and the general public. hence artwork are often scrutinised and their validity may also be questioned. living in such unsteady environment, the artist may doubt the validity of his own work and amplify his self-criticism. on the one hand, such considerations may discourage the artist and lower his confidence in his capabilities as an artist. but, on the other hand, the artist could also stimulate him to work harder, absorb and learn from other artists, continue to evolve and explore new approaches, and eventually produce more authentic artwork.

whilst stuck in a vacuum, i am determined to find my way out. i am more open for discussions with contemporary artists with the intention of establishing and validating my artistic approach that i need to start my work.

a sense of direction

Friday 28th May: I woke-up early, tensed and excited. After helping my son with his breakfast, somehow I managed to fit 10 paintings in my small car. And then I parted with my portfolio, my latest achievements, my pride. It took me about one hour to cross Malta and arrive in Cirkewwa - where I waited patiently for my turn to get on board the ferry. Finally I arrived in the tiny sister island - Gozo. I was already late for my appointment. I did not even know exactly how to get to the meeting place. The hassle grew as I became aware of current road works that forced drivers to follow bright yellow diversion signs through unfamiliar countryside roads. But, thankfully, everyone was willing to help the lost one!

Armed with an apologetic look, I knocked the large arched door and after a few seconds, a young energetic guy opened the door and greeted me inside his spacious modern house with a smile. He is one of the leading contemporary artist, always busy travelling around the world sculpting, painting, presenting installations... remarkably versatile. And I was there to show him my paintings so that he will give me his verdict. It was too good to be true. Even though we never actually met in person, there was no need of an introduction. After opening a bottle of champagne and serving it in elegant glasses, he promptly presented me his approach and his general insight of contemporary art.

Indirectly, I realised how superficial my paintings were. In a way my paintings are a mere image ...almost reproductions ...lacking evidence of my vision, without expressing so much my inner self. I admitted that I was primarily aiming at improving my technique, my skill, my style. Perhaps I wanted to prove my ability. Perhaps I was continuously inspired by the paintings of old masters that I conserve and restore in my work.

But he stated that technique and style is not so important in today's art. Its the idea that counts most. The method of realising the idea is of secondary importance. Architects, for example, design structures and do not necessarily have to build their own creations. If a person has a valid idea and can visualise it inside his mind, he can hire the service of skilful individuals to realise his idea.

I looked at my paintings spread along the dining room and realised that I had to adjust my approach. I have to find a way of expressing myself better through my work. And in order to do this I have to research more about today's society; learn the view of today's philosophers; learn more about contemporary artists and their approach; and ultimately I should also discover who I really am. In this learning process, I should identify my passions, my joys, my troubles ...and I should make this clearly evident in my work.

He admitted that it is not a joy ride. At first, I should tackle a specific theme by producing numerous works ...or rather studies. Every study could help me in finding a better way of expressing myself, identifying the most important elements that I need, distilling the essential ingredients and discarding the rest. The final outcome should not necessarily consist of a painting... it could be anything as long as it delivers. 

Ultimately I shall produce a work that contains the basic and most important elements that transpire my current thoughts, my reaction to our contemporary life. Moreover, I should not work alone. Instead they should integrate and work within my society.

Most importantly, art is born out of the necessity to express oneself and not merely to have enough works for an exhibition. One should ideally strive to produce universal work that is applicable and valid in any country... and not just limited in satisfying the criteria (or philosophy) of one's own country.

I was thirsty for more, but it was getting late. This remarkable artist was surely an eye-opener, providing considerable food for thought. He literally sent me back to the drawing board. However, I am also glad that he provided me with a railway on which I can now start my journey.

what is art?

this is probably one of the most difficult questions ever asked. when i am asked this question i smile and rub my head, not knowing where to start... it is a very challenging question. all i know is that art took hold of me and became one of my greatest passions and obsessions. its the topic i love to bring up whenever i talk with my workmates - every single day. and the more i explore, the more i become aware of the subject's extreme vastness. 

to top it all, i love reading books about art and aesthetics. i do this at a slow pace, digesting word by word. but sometimes i remain baffling why the definition of art varies so much amongst authoritative authors. sometimes i feel that there is no common ground, making it more challenging to pursue my quest. but i guess that art remains subject to interpretation and one can only define it by referring to his own personal experience.

some say that art is beauty. that is true... but then again, what is beauty? that remains such a vague answer! if i had to describe art in a few words, i would say that art is that particular thing that attracts attention. it is that thing that makes people react by making them think and/or feel. of course, this needs to be expanded too, and will hopefully do so in future posts. 

today i see a lot of self-proclaimed artists. there are loads of them. but one should not consider himself an artist merely because he knows how to draw and paint. that is just the skill, the technique, the tool needed to produce works of art. but that is not enough. and so i also do not consider myself an artist since i am still looking for it like a thirsty wonderer in a vast empty desert. i know how to paint... so i guess that for now, i should better call myself a painter.

first art blog post

this is the first post of a blog that is dedicated to art-related discussions - mainly about the art of painting. even though i own and maintain an informative website: www.artandconservation.net   i still felt the need of creating this blog to express and share my thoughts and opinions in an easier and informal manner. this also applied for conservation and restoration, where i have created a separate conservation-related blog.

here i will share my passion and obsession for art. i will also try to define the meaning of art and discover how it is evolving today. and of course i have to explain the artists' intention and the typical reaction of visitors in art exhibitions.


comments are encouraged - i hope that you will join me in this journey.
sincerely,

david