Fiddleback - Stephen Bush…
As I walked past the numerous galleries littered about Chelsea, I found myself melding each one into a single whole. I was having trouble discerning one from another and the only ones I did seem to remeber, were the ones I didn’t like. There was one gallery however that caught my eye immediately. The colors popped out fom the window and I felt like a five year old getting ready for Santa to come. I looked in the window and saw the most beautiful use of colors ever imagined in this world. I had to examine Stephen Bush’s Fiddleback close up.
When first walking in, the gallery takes control and sends the viewer on a journey. This journey continues throughout the entire gallery and gives the artist’s world clarity to the viewer. He takes the viewer throughout Asia, taking aspects of life there to make a world. What was so interesting about Bush’s pieces was how he managed to engross the viewer using color, contrast, and focus.
One of my favorite pieces primarily consisted of four major areas of color: hot pink, lime green, forest green, and brown. This juxtoposition of color serves to give the viwerer emotitions about the work as the brightest colors are in the middle coming up agaisnt the dingy brown and dark green. There is also a contrast in the composition of shapes; the detailed building in the upper right cornerlooks very different from the dark green splotch that is the background landscape. The work is framed and balanced by three tall blue plants on either side and in the middle. Also in the middle is a little secret that upon first glance may not seem apparent. A building, painted in lighter pink, is squished right behind one of the blue flowers. It is so detailed and beautiful, that it becomes clear that Bush wanted his viwers to see that building. That one little part of the painting is meant to be the focus. As one goes from each of his paintings, it becomes clear that this is a running theme. He likes to make the viewer try to find the little intricate part of his painting that is meant to be the focus. There is one in every single painting and the brilliance of each is only rivaled by the next.
What is also extremely interesting about Bush’s paintings is that the brush strokes are clearly seen, yet the technique he uses makes the painting appear extremely smooth. Maybe it’s the paint he uses or maybe it’s the way in which he actually puts the paint down, but there is a somewhat glossy finish over all his pieces. It makes the colors pop out even more and makes everything feel much more three-dimensional. It’s really incredible and allows for the total emersion of the viewer with the painting.
Overall, the experience of going through Chelsea and looking at all the different galleries was one that was both rewarding and inspirational. It’s amazing that these artists have found a place where they can do they art without having to sacrifice any of their integrity as artists. They are able to just allow their work speak for itself without having to alter anything for the masses. This is an amazing place and it’s really wonderful tat it exists.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:23 am
Joey, I just wanted to say that I loved the way you describe everything. I thought there was a very artistic quality to your writing that served as an appropriate complement to the subject of the writing itself. For instance, when you were describing your initial reaction to the piece of art you chose, you stated, very insightfully so, “The colors popped out from the window and I felt like a five year old getting ready for Santa to come […] When first walking in, the gallery takes control and sends the viewer on a journey.” I loved the way you explained that because it really gives the reader (me) a sense of what you felt as you were witnessing this piece of art.
Furthermore, I think you did a very good job with providing all the details necessary to paint a good picture of Bush’s paintings- with explanations of brush strokes and color contrasts and message.
Overall, it was a very insightful review of the art! Thanks for sharing!