Monday, September 6, 2010

contemplating copeland

Radical? Controversial? Muted? Expressive?

These are a few of the terms I have heard describing John Copelands work. I have been periodically following the Brooklyn based artists work for some time now. As a painter myself, I have noticed the contrast between the different styles of painters and artists. I have always been a huge fan of Copeland. Not only for the muted thick brush strokes or for his controversial works, but i feel like i really agree with the content in his works. I have always looked at art as a way to show the magnificent in the mundane, and i believe Copeland does that incredibly.



His works have progressed and strengthened yet maintained a similar style and theme. Figures, gestures, architecture,  hands and people are commonly spread on his canvases. The people in his works he calls either antagonists or protagonists. Just characters in his art, but nothing literal.


Some of his work, which may be labeled as controversial, is because it is almost pornographic. But, if this is what he needs to do in order to express and convey his emotions in the way he wants, then i fully support him.

When i say that he shows the magnificent in the mundane, i mean to show the beauty in the simple things we pass everyday. You can see in the simplicity in his content, but when you actually study it, it is possible to see much more.

1 comment:

  1. I've always been interested in artists that can use ordinary objects to create their own unique style; part of the reason I want to become a Graphic designer.

    Do you know what medium he uses to paint with? It looks almost like watercolor...

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