Christie's upcoming sale of Modern British & Irish Art next week has three Peter Howson pictures for sale, including the above, entitled St George, (from where I have taken the image). It references the xenophobia and fascism evident in some elements of British society. Howson painted in the early 1990s. It occurred to me that there were similarities in the styles of this artist and Yue Minjun, whose iconic smiling faces belie his intent, following as he does the Cynical Realism movement.
Whereas Howson's angry faces express his hatred of bigotry, Yue's happy faces express his anger at the vacuity of modern China and its materialism, and obviously in this picture Execution, his anger and disgust at the events of 1989. It's interesting to me that both painters began their styles at about the same time. Howson's picture is estimated at USD15,000. Yue's canvas, above was sold in 2007 for USD5.9m. There's an interesting story related to the purchase.
Much more up my street in the Christie's sale are several pictures by the Scottish Colourists F C B Cadell, and Samuel Peploe. But even they are what technically we might call a lot of dosh.
11 comments:
Dear Columnist, Thanks for introducing me to these artists, both new to me. I spent some time contemplating Howson's "Harrowing of Hell," which is an amazing piece. Your posting will enduce me to look further into the work of both Howson and Yue ...
It is interesting to discuss the underlying meaning and social commentary of paintings like these, but as far as I am concerned, they belong in a gallery; I certainly wouldn't want them on my own walls. You know that I like art with a certain amount of edge to it, but these are deliberately repulsive, which is an entirely different quality. I do find it interesting that you can admire (or discern admirable qualities in) art that you would not want to buy for yourself.
--Road to Parnassus
Parnassus - I think it's a bit of a stretch to even "discern admirable qualities", and I didn't think I was particularly doing that. I find Pop Art tedious, and the prices it achieves bemusing. As to pictures for my walls, I have been quite vocal previously about only wanting something that makes me happy. That notwithstanding, I do look at other genres, even those that do not appeal, to try and learn, and I was obviously making a comparison from what I had learned simply by looking at the Christie's catalogue, which enticed me because of the Scottish Colourists for sale, and what I knew of Yue's work from my time in Hong Kong.
It's always interesting to have a discussion like this.
Mark - as I note with Parnassus, this genre is not something that I particularly favour, but it is very favoured by some. Given your own interests it might be a style you enjoy, calling on the skills of graphic designers.
Like Mark, I was unaware of either of these arists. Both paintings make quite a statement in different ways. Thank you for posting this.
About 10 years ago, I remember seeing some old Soviet propoganda paintings that surfaced in LA galleries. They were popular while they lasted.
If you have not seen Geoffrey Bradfield's design for Oliver Stone's New York apartment, it incorporates Chinese political art as a bold statement:
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2010-11/oliver_stone_article
Thanks for the AD link Diogenes. "Statement" sure, but not one that I could live with in my home, (and neither could you!). I am also averse to use of Buddha fragments as decorative objects, (the severed hands on the dining table) because it has been done to death (literally) in the West, and is a taboo here. It would be the same with Christian iconography, unless I had taken holy orders, and was pontificating.
Columnist you made me laugh. You are SO very right, I would not be happy wih that kind of political art in my home, LOL.
Columnist, as a graphic designer, I'm always interested in looking at the work of artists who have achieved a very personal style (or in some cases a "shtick") and yet I have mixed feelings about artists like Yue. Interestingly, I find inspiration in a range of things I don't necessarily like — they can just be the synapses that lead to other ideas.
I appreciate the AD tour, compliments of Diogenes. I agree with your assessment — some people want to be stimulated; I want to be soothed.
Mark - Yue's picture depicts a scene not dissimilar to Goya's The Third of May 1808. I wouldn't want either hanging on my walls. But as Parnassus said, these are quite edifying on a gallery wall. They are instructive, and as you can see from this, elicit discussion. As you note, inspiration comes from unexpected sources.
I definitely see similarities in these "caricature" paintings....both visually strong, graphic and cartoon-like. I am not familiar with either artist, and curious to see more of their work. Very interesting.
Loi
Yes Loi, it was the similarity in the pictures that prompted my post, and as I thought about it more, that of Goya's too. I always find comparisons in art to be one of the most interesting.
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