My Passion for the Arts

I found two artists today whose stuff I really like. Lately, I've been interested in contemporary works of up and coming artists. I find their interpretation of modern times fascinating and provocative. It's refreshing to have visual conversation about about events and issues of our day. Sometimes I agree with what's shown or the artist's intent, sometimes I don't. One rule of thumb I go by is to not decide if I like or dislike an artist or series of works until I've seen at least 3 pieces. I suppose that rule works for other things too, like dating... haha!

Enjoy...

1) Maira Kalman - She's an illustrator/columnist/poet. She's clever, somewhat whimsical and ironically realistic.

This image and more can be found here.

2) Jos De Mey - He has a remarkable way of depicting the impossible. Honestly, Surrealism freaks me out. Much of it is marked by bizarre juxtapositions of imagination and is influenced by Freud's theories of madness and darkness of the mind. Think Dada and Salvador Dali.

De Mey's art resembles Surrealism; however, he focuses more on what he calls "constructive illusionism" and impossible structures. Basically, he takes the best part of surrealism, which is the juxtaposition and imagination, and tones it down a notch by using geometrics. In my opinion, this gives off a more realistic essence, as opposed to melting objects in space. You have to look twice. It's really cool.
You can find out more about him by clicking here.