As I continue working on my Pixels and Paint series, one of the great pleasures I have is getting the opportunity to introduce my subjects, the models I am working with, to Abstract Expressionism, and in many cases, to modern art itself. In a way, its no different than introducing people to the oeuvres of Helmut Newton, or Richard Avedon or Irving Penn, all three of whom are towering and influential figures in the world of photographing people and fashion, and yet 9 out of 10 photographers look at you with blank expressions when you reference their work. Then you show them an image and you can actually see the light bulb come on. And then you watch their mouths drop open as you say to them, Yeah, they did it first.. Its no different with Jackson Pollock, who despite his work and its impact, is mostly below the radar of popular culture, unlike say Picasso or Matisse, who are nearly universally recognized. Although, I must confess I was tickled by the reference to Pollock in Guardians of the Galaxy; his work really is a rather fabulous metaphor for orgasmic resolution and release. One of the great things about Pollock is that theres is some great footage of him at work in the early fifties. The long version of Pollock and his work: https://youtube/watch?v=uy1SXVAlrDI And the Coles Notes version of his work and its relevance: https://youtube/watch?v=NT0SHjOowLA As I pass the twenty model mark with Pixels and Paint, I have become more and more drawn to Pollock for inspiration. Ive struggled with the Rothkos and de Koonings and other works of homage that rely on line and definitive brush work, but Pollocks method of pigment application seems divinely created to work on a model canvas. And it is an intensely satisfying experience to work with a canvas that is often a rather vocal creative partner and collaborator.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 19:50:41 +0000
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