The mural by the artist Charlie Johnston known as Come Curl Up by the Fire... is a remarkable piece of art that is visibly located on 1445 Pembina Highway. It was commissioned by Coghlan’s Outdoors and Take Pride Winnipeg! (Take Pride Winnipeg, 2016). It is one of the 500 murals in Winnipeg that is intriguing because of a multitude of reasons. Come Curl Up by the Fire’s significance can be recognized by doing an evaluation on the artist Charlie Johnston, a visual analysis of the painting’s features, and by understanding what it is meant to convey. This essay will delve further into explaining aspects of this mural and will provide a critical understanding as to why it is an interesting piece of work. Charlie Johnston is a local from …show more content…
This is because of its inviting appearance and appealing composition. Its location stood out to me as provoking as it was obvious that the mural was dedicated to an artist, while being ironically painted on the side of a radio station. Right across from the street is Stella’s restaurant, giving the open concept windows an incredible view of the expansive mural. This location encourages people to appreciate Johnston’s piece and promotes conversation of our culture while submerging themselves in simple activities like having lunch with friends. Johnston’s technique is remarkable as homage to Neil Young and Manitoba’s lake country is dominantly distinct by using strong colours. Homage to Young is differentiated by the painting style, where everything and everyone surrounding him is bathed in a warm atmosphere, stimulated by the campfire in the middle.The warm mood unites the characters portrayed while homage to the lakes is differentiated by the noticeably purple skies and visible horizon, being the only strong straight line depicted in the mural. Although the lake is smaller in comparison to the people, it stands out because of the more harmonious arrangement, being framed by branches and provides a less intense texture. Recognition of the mural’s creativity is attributed through Johnston’s use of technique and …show more content…
It is clear that there is a definite relationship between the mural and the clients’ ideas. As Take Pride Winnipeg! (2016) stated, the mural was commissioned as an ode to the great outdoors and the talented Neil Young’s music. The Murals of Winnipeg (2016) quotes Johnston’s work ethic, “Each time I work with new people, I draw from their experience, their perspective, as much as my own”. He does not fail to do this as one of the clients, Tom Ethans, was satisfied of his envision that the mural would warm up the hearts of Winnipeggers throughout the winter . The other client, Rob Coghlan of Coghlan’s Outdoors iterates that “Spending time at the lake with Neil Young tunes have been part of many Manitobans’ lives” (Take Pride Winnipeg, 2016). It is obvious that Johnston did and excellent job of carrying what his clients visualized into Come Curl Up by the Fire. This can be further observed in its composition where half of the mural has mellow undertones, emphasizing its homage to the lakes while the other half is a fiery tone, insinuates the city’s passion and culture. The people surrounding the campfire also brings a sense of warmth and community to the viewers. The mural’s significance and what it wants to convey to the public is well executed through bold colour and contrasting
Wayne, transforms this painting into a three dimensional abstract piece of art. The focal point of the painting are the figures that look like letters and numbers that are in the front of the piece of art. This is where your eyes expend more time, also sometimes forgiving the background. The way the artist is trying to present this piece is showing happiness, excitement, and dreams. Happiness because he transmits with the bright colours. After probably 15 minutes on front of the painting I can feel that the artist tries to show his happiness, but in serene calm. The excitement that he presents with the letters, numbers and figures is a signal that he feels anxious about what the future is going to bring. Also in the way that the colors in the background are present he is showing that no matter how dark our day can be always will be light to
Frederick Varley and all the other members of the Group of Seven were working towards creating a new Canadian Style of painting in a time where Canada was desperate to show how independent and different from Britain they were. Varley’s Stormy Weather Georgian Bay is a perfect example of art mirroring society. With this piece we can see the use of new, vibrant colours and loose flowing brush strokes to symbolize the new role that Canada was pushing to play as an independent nation on the world
One can see that Romare Bearden's artwork was highly influenced by music. It can be seen in the bright and lively New York club scenes with the dancing couples and band performances. It can also be seen in the collages that depict the gritty music culture outside of the performances in the Storyville. Aside from the imagery, Bearden even used the improvisational method of collage that he associated greatly with jazz. Bearden was certainly a genius at bringing us vibrant, upbeat scenes of life in the jazz and blues culture.
So I attempted to use this mentality whilst exploring the Highline, allowed the mindset to fill me with energy and then reflected on what I liked and didn’t like about the limitless attitude once I walked back towards Gansevoort Street. When I saw Kathryn Andrews’ “Sunbathers II” piece, I went inside the piece, and smiled while my cousin took a photo of me. I then continued to roamed through Chelsea while observing the people, billboards, paintings and the skyline, and was struck by the Sleepwalker sculpture. When Zadie Smith comes face-to-face with Corona’s “Find Your Beach” advertisement, she begins to analyze and find possible interpretations of the billboard sign. I then began to examine the Sleepwalker sculpture and discussed several potential inferences towards Manhattan the artwork might have with my cousin Michelle. I then got some stracciatella gelato, and Michelle got a coffee. With my recent purchases in hand, I was taken surprise by Andrews’ “Sunbathers I”. Michelle and I laughed
Reichert, Jake. "A wilderness of walls: past and future of graffiti writing in Winnipeg." Canadian Dimension33.6 (1999): 20-26. Alternative Press Index. EBSCO. Web. 22 Apr. 2011.
Besides bright or dim colors, and fine or rough brush strokes, artists use centralized composition to convey their interpretations in "The Acrobat's Family with a Monkey," "Amercian Gothic," "The Water-Seller," and "The Third of May,1808.”
The notable French-Canadian abstract expressionist Jean-Paul Riopelle is known for his signature large-format mosaic composition to establish explosive engagement. The monumental Chevreuse II (Figure 1) in his Mosaiques series was created during 1953 to 1954, measured in 3m x 3m. This work is currently on exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The AGO decided to put up a co-exhibition of Riopelle and his romantic partner Joan Mitchell’s works, and titled the exhibition Nothing in Moderation.
In the Wood’s painting, it shows a wider scale of the town while in the N.C. Wyeth’s illustration it shows a close up of Paul Revere galloping by on a horse alarming the people in the
Spending time looking at art is a way of trying to get into an artists’ mind and understand what he is trying to tell you through his work. The feeling is rewarding in two distinctive ways; one notices the differences in the style of painting and the common features that dominate the art world. When comparing the two paintings, The Kneeling Woman by Fernand Leger and Two Women on a Wharf by Willem de Kooning, one can see the similarities and differences in the subjects of the paintings, the use of colors, and the layout
Looking at landscape art, especially when painted by one of the masters, many have undoubtedly pondered: what would it be like to live there? Shapes and attention to detail are, of course, important in a painting. However, it is color that draws the eye and inspires the heart. Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet and dramatist, spoke well of this when he noted that, “Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways. (qtd in “color”)”. Vincent Ward had a similar understanding of this impact when, in 1998, he directed the movie What Dreams May Come. Looking at this film, one can easily imagine being inside a living painting. The use of color to emphasize the emotional state of a character or event is common in films; nevertheless, Director Ward goes even farther in using color to represent the actual characters themselves. Red is the shade chosen to signify Annie and likewise, blue is used for Chris. Both of these, as will be shown, are accurate in defining these fictitious people. However, it is the profound use of purple in this film that is the true focal point. When mixing red and blue paint, one would find that, after being mixed, they cannot be separated. Likewise, this is true of the life and love these characters build and share. Purple represents the many ways in which Chris and Annie are melded, and joined.
Poet Gwendolyn Brooks states, “Art Hurts. Art urges voyages - and it is easier to stay at home” which is true for many viewers when experiencing Bruce Nauman’s work. Nauman is classified as a contemporary American artist whose works also incorporate ideas of post-modernism and minimalism. He has been making art since the early 1960’s and has moved through many different mediums as his art progressed and his style changed. At first Nauman was a painter who soon ended that career and turned to sculpting, photography, film, and video. Bruce Nauman’s works of art have interested me and inspired my final assignment by his professional legacy, inspirations, and techniques.
Painted by Vincent Van Gogh during a final burst of activity in Auvers before his suicide in July, Houses at Auvers features many of the characteristic elements typical of Van Gogh; the experimentation with color, texture, and thick brush strokes. This painting depicts the view and landscape in early summer, highlighting the patchwork of houses and the rolling greenery. Van Gogh’s unique, thick brush strokes lead the eyes through the painting, create texture and patterns and also highlight and shadow objects in the early summer sun, while his experimentation with color creates contrast and a bright, vibrant image.
Murals provide the creater with comfort because he or she has created something that they put hard work and effort into that is provided for not just themselves but also for the community, which is being torn down. For example, in the article “What rights do muralists
Who knew a painting by Edward Hopper could have so much of a meaning behind it. So much thought put into such beautiful, elegant artwork. In this essay, I am going to analyze the painting People in the Sun. This simple piece of artwork has a complex story behind it. The contrast, lighting, and the people all emphasize his piece of artwork. Each person has a different reaction to the scenery set by Edward. Edward tries to portray what the world is like through this group of five people. The painted scenery represents our lives and the opportunities we have every day. Can you look at a painting and get the meaning instantly? Looking at any painting is a challenge, but I was able to look through the painting and find the real meaning. Edward Hopper did a wonderful job with this piece of artwork. The meaning behind it was genuine, it was a perfect connection to today’s world.
Beginning with a seed and a leaf as his inspiration, artist Marlon Griffith creates artwork for his first solo exhibition, Symbols of Endurance (Gallery Booklet, 2015). From rough sketches to large mixed media installations Symbols of Endurance showcases a wide variety of works by Griffith. In Symbols of Endurance, Griffith successfully incorporates cultural representation, showcases talent from all across Toronto, and welcomes persons with disabilities. Ultimately, Symbols of Endurance is a powerful exhibition that effectively celebrates Canada’s diverse community.