Blackblackblackblueblack h 84 in w 72 in, oil on panel, 2007-08
The language of a discipline is not meant to be a spoken language, at least, not a conversational language. That might explain the dearth of writing about John Brown's paintings. In conversations (particularly as the word has come to be used by PR) we usually speak with subtitles that say Please don't get me wrong and This is nice social engagement isn't it. Isn't it?
It's not possible to have a nice conversation about John Brown's paintings. They are full of urgent sorrow. They hold pain as a result of their process and of course that's part of their beauty.
This film idea isn't really about the artwork so much as the person. There are certain qualities some artists have that seem like a capacity for processing the undigested feelings of the larger social sphere.
The imagery of these works is revealed rather than built-up. Some bulk of perception is lifted and these forms are exposed. Forms that have to do with nerves and the tenderness of endurance.
Image of Blackblackblackblueblack scanned from the exhibition catalogue. May not be this pink in reality.
No comments:
Post a Comment