|
|
||
John Currin, The Veil, 1999, oil on canvas, 28 x 22 inches
| Ask the Artists: John Currin |
| Question 1: Hi! I am a grad student in art education at the Ohio State University, with a BFA in painting. I was curious about the distortion of your figures, and if they originated from illustration works, and if you are using technology or digital tools to explore the figure further? I really like the fleshiness of the paintings, reminiscent of the masters. Wonder how you came to choose the solid black backgrounds? Being able to ask you these questions is really great! |
| The distortion of my figures do not originate from illustration. They come from my first drawing attempts whose inherent flaws and rhythms I try not to correct. The only technical or digital tools I use are the mirrors in my studio, my wife and magazine clippings. I used to paint figures silhouetted on a light background but got tired of that. So I tried to think of a way to make a black background look modern. |
| Question 2: I am an artist living in Columbus, OH. I am curious if you have considered using digital tools to create distortions, and what your perspective is on how digital tools alter the way painting is viewed. |
| People look at photos so much, that everything else they see is measured by their expectations (dictated by photographs) and appears distorted. |
| Question 3: I'm a docent at the museum. Why do the figures in your paintings have such vapid expressions on their faces? |
| It is best to think of the faces as mirrors. |
| Question 4: I am a 12th grade high school student, and I am wondering why in Mr. Currin's paintings that the women's bodies were oddly shaped. What is this supposed to represent? |
| In drawing, my main concern is shaped from, partly, an abstract point of view while keeping it believable and keeping the graphic rhythm. I also find it intriguing and humorous. |
| Question 5: I really enjoy your work. My question is, do you take any inspiration from renaissance painters? |
| Yes, I do. These include Grunewald, Dürer, Hans Baldung Grien, Botticelli, Breughel and Cranach. Also, Italian mannerists like Parmagianino as well as Velazquez, Courbet, Van Gogh and Picasso. |
| John Currin's CI:99/00 page |