Seeing Impressionsim
An exhibit entitled Seeing Impressionism opened at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture on October 14th. The exhibit featured works of artists in Europe, America, and specifically the Northwest. When the French Impressionists began to paint in this impressionistic manner, they “ignited a revolution” which would go on to become one of the most influential art movements in art history. Impressionism, which traded “500 years of academic rules” for “bright colors and short brushstrokes”, can be credited for the birth of modern art.
We are fortunate to have such a wide variety of works on display here in Spokane, some of which French Impressionists Renoir, Degas and Pissarro, as well as American artists Glackens and Prendergast. The exhibit will be on display until February 25th, 2012.
One eye-catching piece on display was a work by Henri Fantin-Latour. The French artist was well known for his flower paintings, which were typically set against dark backgrounds, creating a vibrant contrast. Latour was considered more traditional in his impressionistic paintings compared to other Impressionists of the time. Still, we can clearly see Latour’s inspiration by impressionism’s bright colors, vibrant light and visible brushstrokes, which he used to create his meticulous flower still lives. This specific piece on display is incredibly eye catching. Its pink and white petals set against a dark background seem to illuminate the flower itself. I found it incredible to see how much detail could be conveyed through such simple brushstrokes. Henry Fantin-Latour was just one of the many incredible artist on display in this exhibit, and I highly encourage you to take a trip down to the MAC and see for yourselves this impressive collection of works (they will be on display for the next 4 months so you have no excuse!) And while you’re there, compare the differences in the artist’s styles of impressionism. Can you also see which characteristics they all have in common? Enjoy!
Works Cited
http://www.northwestmuseum.org/index.cfm/Calendar.htm
Seeing Impressionism exhibit. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. 14 October 2011.
1 comment:
I enjoyed your post. I am a big fan of the Impressionalist Period. I like the mixture of bright vibarent colors with the dark rich colors in the back ground. the darker colors in the background make the bright colors stand out more vibrantly.
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