Is Representational Art Dead?

There's Gold In Alder Gulch by Richard Edde

I divide paintings into two broad categories, representational and abstract. Representational art is anything that you know what it is when you look at it, i.e. mountains, rivers, building, etc. Abstract art, well, is anything else.

While I was at my latest art showing I noticed that 90% of the art was of the abstract variety. Very few paintings were of a more realistic nature like landscapes, portraits and the like. One artist had a painting of a cat whose head was square; you could hardly recognize the fact that it was, indeed, a cat.

Now I am not decrying the artist's work. If someone wants to paint a picture of a cat that looks like it came from Three Mile Island that's their right and they can certainly call it art.

My complaint is that it seems that art galleries are ignoring a lot of really good art by excluding serious representational artworks and by placing abstract works exclusively in their shows. I contend that most people, when it comes to buying a painting with their hard-earned cash, want something they can relate to. Something beautiful to hang on their wall at home. Representational art can give the owner an escape, a place to go, however briefly, for respite. I believe that this type of art can give its owner a sense of beauty and peace that abstract art cannot.

So gallery owners out there listen up! Try and find more of a balance in what you show. Give the representational artists in your area a chance to show their work. I'll just bet that your sales will improve if you do.

Just paint it!

For Art Lovers Only

Henry-Marie Beyle

Has this ever happened to you? You are standing in front of a beautiful painting and suddenly you feel faint, maybe dizzy, your heart pounds and you must find a place to sit down. Maybe it has happened while listening to an especially moving piece of music. Well, if it has you are not alone. You are the victim of the Stendahl Syndrome.

The Stendahl Syndrome is a recognized psychosomatic illness first described by French author Henry-Marie Beyle in 1817. His pseudonym was Stendahl. He described his experience while visiting Florence in his book, Naples and Florence: A Journey From Milan To Reggio. Confusion and hallucinations can also occur.

Although there are many descriptions of people becoming dizzy and fainting while taking in Florentine art, especially at the Uffizi Gallery, dating from the early 19th century on, the syndrome was only named in 1979, when it was medically described by Italian psychiatrist, Graziella Magherini, who observed and described more than 100 similar cases among tourists and visitors to Florence.

Psychiatrists label this condition an illness. I guess my point would be that if I can be so deeply moved by a work of art then I would consider myself fortunate and would rather be ill than "normal."

Just paint it!