With the invention and subsequent popularity of photography, stilife and wildlife art no longer commanded the prices they once did. In addition, the aristocracy were gone and with it their patronage. Wildlife in particular was not considered fine art and at most sold for five figures.
There's a resurgence at the moment as very talented wildlife artist are incorporating abstract elements to make them more interesting to collectors.
Another trend in a surreal world is surrealist wildlife and botanical. Here's a whimsical and colorful collection by Jon Ching, who is using nomenclature to illustrate his paintings. "Jelly fish"; beautiful and clever. Feel free to share your favorites.
https://www.boredpanda.com/surreal-animal-paintings-jon-ching/
Another collection of clever Cartoons by Canadian artists Timanddraka. Theoretically not wildlife but amusing nonetheless.
https://www.boredpanda.com/nonsensical-wildlife-illustrations-timandraka/
And of course a musical flower by Dali, who could draw and paint everything. I'm assuming it's a trumpet flower or Easter lily accompanying hymns?
Cheerful art is a type of resistance, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteCodex: It certainly is. Art is currently slanted on showing the pain Of everything that is going on, but it can also heal.
DeleteAs I mentioned on someone's blog recently, we're all currently forced to engage with surrealism, so why not choose to focus on the more therapeutic and inspiring examples when possible?
ReplyDeleteCodex: exactly. Artists can choose either or both. I had this sitting in draft but yes many people are calling what is going on surreal because everything is so incomprehensible and it's on every platform.
DeleteCode : @db I think that we are being pushed into sensationalism.
DeleteI hadn't thought of that. Accurate.
DeleteQuite a few favorites of Ching's work...jellyfish, hummingbird, octopus, blue jays. I didn't look at all of them.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite artists in this genre, Ellen Jewett.
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/03/surrealist-sculptures-by-ellen-jewett-merge-plant-and-animal-life/
Codex: Same here. Ellen Jewett is incredible. Thank you for making me aware of her. Thisiscollossal is a great site. They got better again in the artists they represent.
ReplyDeleteInteresting artworks! My main exposure to realistic wildlife art -- aside from Audubon -- were the annual stickers put out by the National Wildlife Federation every year when I was a kid. They always had amazing wildlife paintings on them. Not sure the NWF would have appreciated the surrealism, though. :)
ReplyDeleteCodex: yeah they're different. Not familiar with those paintings. I think that if it draws attention to environmental issues it's probably fine.
DeleteI’m realizing I’ve mostly engaged with nature art in the realm of flora rather than fauna. Fascinating examples of the surreal school.
ReplyDeleteCodex a movement or reinvention of surrealism. Which floral painters do you enjoy?
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