Mid-Morning Art Thread

Self Portrait In Purple
Maizie

My apologies for the poor quality of the reproduction, but I snapped this at a recent showing of Maizie's work at a gallery in Tribeca, and the place made it very clear that photography was prohibited. She is intensely protective of her works until they are sold. Supposedly she was there, but since nobody except her agent knows what she looks like...who knows!

Her mononym's (it is derived from the Persian word for pearl) origin is the stuff of rumor in the art world, with some suggesting that it is her way of honoring a distant cousin (Earl "The Pearl" Monroe).

As for today's art? I simply don't understand it, so a few weeks ago I asked Kris to take a look and see what she could make of it. She was able to provide an analysis which is below the fold, but she also said that it just scratches the surface of this piece, and she needs more time for a full evaluation.

The thin, radiating lines create an energy that electrifies and animates the subject. They are contrasted by the thicker line of the body’s contour which defines the figure’s form and gives it substance. The lack of shading, however, eliminates the figure’s solidity. Therefore the form hovers in space, fazing in and out of our reality, but still has a presence that cannot be denied.

Lines: The thin, radiating lines create an energy that electrifies and animates the subject. They are contrasted by the thicker line of the body's contour which defines the figure's form and gives it substance. The lack of shading, however, eliminates the figure's solidity. Therefore the form hovers in space, fazing in and out of our reality, but still has a presence that cannot be denied.

Eyes: In any human form, the eyes are the most dominant feature. They grab us and our attention. The more arresting the eyes, the more interesting the subject. Here, the artist has successfully created the illusion that the eyes truly do move with the work. The figure could be looking down in one viewing, but flip the work and the figure miraculously looks above itself. This is a rare skill in an artist.

Color: The limitation of a cool palette keeps the colors from distracting the viewer from the dominant eyes. It also enhances the electricity of the radiating lines. The stark white background creates an almost pessimistic mood. This writhing, animated, staring being emerges out of the pure nothingness of existence.

posted by CBD at 09:30 AM

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