Figurative Drawing and Painting

As an artist, the human figure has always held a great fascination for me. The drive to represent ourselves and make our mark in the world is a fundamental part of who we are as a species. In the past, during the 1960s, figurative art fell out of favor in the art world. Many artists and critics believed that figurative art, with its focus on realistic depictions of the human form, was no longer relevant in a rapidly changing world. Barnett Newman famously stated, "Aesthetics is for the artist as ornithology is for the birds."

However, I wanted to explore the figure and understand its importance in the art tradition of the past. So I looked at how other artists were reintroducing the figure in their work. Artists such as Chuck Close, Alice Neel, and Philip Pearlstein, who reintroduced figurative elements into their work, were particularly inspiring to me. From their paintings, I observed new techniques and styles, such as photorealism and neo-expressionism, which helped inform my own work and my interpretation of the human form.

As an artist, I believe that art is not just for art's sake, but is a tool for human communication. Figurative art has always been important since primitive times because it allows us to express ourselves, tell stories, and share our experiences with others. The human form is a universal language that can be understood by all cultures and time periods. Philip Pearlstein, an artist, once said, "The human figure is the most complex thing there is. It's the sum total of all our experiences and emotions."

Today, figurative art continues to be a vital and relevant part of my art. The past has shown that the fall of figurative art was just a temporary setback, and that figurative art will always be an important part of the art world. It serves as a tool for human communication and expression, connecting us all. Through my work, I hope to give a voice to the human figure as a subject matter and convey the complexity of human emotions.