John Currin

Words: 1350
Pages: 6
Open Document
John Currin, Michael Borresman and Lucian Freud are all modern day artists from around the world that address current issues within the artworks throughout the use of multiple mediums which are manipulated to reflect the conceptual concerns of each individual.

John Currin aged 52, is an American artist who lives in New York City. Currin’s work has been compared to “soft porn” (Coggins, n.d, p.1) as he represents predominately women and also men in graphically revealing ways that depict the innate essence and desires of mankind. In the piece in question, The Cripple, pictured on the right, Currin’s symbolises excess and gaudiness, which has been juxtaposed with the society of the 21st Century. (Anon. 2009, para.1) Anon (2009) highlights that …show more content…
This is highlighted through his use of oil-based paints and his depiction of women. Artsy (2014) emphasizes on Currin’s ability to draw on a range of cultural influences, for example representing both the era that encapsulated the Renaissance oil painting whilst representing pop culture themes such as the 1950s pin up women’s. When I personally look at these paintings, I am transported back into the Renaissance era through Currin’s use of oil painting as seen in other exhibitions although this piece carries with it a hint of modern flair. The colours used in this piece are vibrant yet dull to a certain extent. They are eye catching as you are immediately drawn into the figures face and then to her chest. The way in which Currin represents women in “The Cripple” and throughout wider exhibitions is explicit intense yet he juxtaposes these images with the smooth reminiscent vibe of the Renaissance era through the soft texture and tones expressed with the oil …show more content…
Freud was predominately known for his rather austere style of realism seen through his callously honest paintings and portraits of friends and family. (Encyclopedia of Visual Arts., n.d.) Lucian Freud has been quoted saying that the themes behind his painting are purely autobiographical, as he believes that even if he were to paint a chair it would be a reflection of him as a person. (Duggan, B, 2012). Freud’s way of painting has been categorised by his use of thicker pigments to emphasised his meticulous control of brushstrokes and lines (IMMA, n.d.) Freud is known for his realistic approach to painting. He strives to capture the real essence of light and shade on people bodies. His subjects usually have to pose for him for
Show More

Related Documents: John Currin

John Currin Synthesis

John Currin is an American artist who plays with the family dynamic of European and American art. He sees European art possibly an older brother who gained endless talents from his father, but eventually was molested (World War II). Europeans than threw away everything they related to that time in history, and abandoned forms of art like paintings almost all together. Currin is intimidated by his brother’s amazing abilities that he left behind and tries to paint similarly to him, but still with an…

Words 150 - Pages 1

Compare And Contrast Kennedy Vs Camelot

would have anything in common? Although they have a manifold of time between them, they have a manifold of similarities. To be of great political power does not mean you have to be perfect, these two men prove that. First, let’s talk about President John F. Kennedy. He was, on the outside, a good President. Hansen illustrates this in an article of his. “On May 25, 1961, Kennedy proclaimed: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing…

Words 539 - Pages 3