Sunniness in Painting: From Edward Hopper to David Hockney

Visual art has been torn between abstractionism and realism, conceptual and postmodern, classicist nostalgia, and violent provocation. This essay argues for a different path for the visual arts to recover its fullness and universality, with artists such as Hopper and Balthus following a shared path. Abstract tensions can bring simple figures to life, changing their meaning.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 28 February 2019
\n Publisher: Mimesis International
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Visual art has been a complex and multifaceted phenomenon since the mid-twentieth century, oscillating between the poles of abstractionism and realism, conceptualism and postmodernism, classicist nostalgia, and the violent provocation for its own sake. This essay argues for a different path for the visual arts, one that seeks to reclaim its fullness and universality. The artists analyzed in this volume, ranging from Hopper and Balthus to contemporary figures, appear to be following a shared trajectory, despite their belonging to different generations. This has led to their being misunderstood by their contemporary critics.

In the art of Ancient Greece and the Middle Ages, abstract tensions that intensify the visual field can bring simple figures to life, radically altering their meaning. This is a "sunniness" akin to the Claritas with which Medieval scholastics indicated the splendour of their works. To fully grasp the aesthetic quality of this "sunniness," we must engage in a tireless process of exercising our perceptions.

The visual arts have been a site of constant exploration and experimentation, with artists pushing the boundaries of what is possible and challenging traditional notions of what art should be. This has led to the emergence of new movements and styles, such as abstract expressionism, pop art, and conceptualism, each with its own unique set of aesthetic principles and techniques.

One of the key challenges facing the visual arts today is the increasing commodification and commercialization of art. The art market has become increasingly dominated by a handful of major galleries and auction houses, which can dictate the prices and values of works of art. This has led to a concentration of wealth among a small elite and a decline in the accessibility of art to the general public.

Another challenge is the rise of digital technology and the internet, which has transformed the way we consume and share art. The internet has made it easier for artists to reach a global audience, but it has also created a sense of oversaturation and commodification, with countless artists competing for attention and recognition.

Despite these challenges, there are also many opportunities for the visual arts to thrive and evolve. One of these is the increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, which brings together artists from different fields and disciplines, such as science, technology, and philosophy. This can lead to new and innovative forms of art that challenge traditional boundaries and push the limits of what is possible.

Another opportunity is the growing interest in socially and politically engaged art, which uses art to address social and political issues and promote social change. This type of art can be powerful and effective in raising awareness and promoting dialogue about important issues, such as climate change, inequality, and human rights.

In conclusion, the visual arts have a rich and complex history that is shaped by a variety of cultural, social, and artistic factors. While there are many challenges facing the visual arts today, there are also many opportunities for innovation and growth. By embracing interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing social and political issues, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, the visual arts can continue to thrive and play an important role in shaping our world.

\n Weight: 310g\n
Dimension: 205 x 176 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9788869771712\n \n