Michael Page

I have a huge list of artists that I want to share. There are so many inspirational painters and designers already in my repertoire, but its hard for me to restrain when I find a new artist worth talking about. So is the case with Michael Page.

His newest body of work, Into Passing, is featured in Volume 19 of HI-FRUCTOSE. Just as his work is about evolution, transformation, and changing perceptions, so can a very distinct transformation be seen in his artistic voice. From unmistakable narratives to now more abstracted compositions, he has made huge strides in creating challenging paintings.

In his newest work, Page looks to “time, its movement, and the memories grasped at the face of an ever-present death.” He finds this theme enabling to capture the beauty of life.

Relating to how I view my own work, I loved this quote by Page: “I find people’s interests peak without me spelling out exactly what I feel is going on in the painting. I feel that people are more interested in making up their own idea, story or feeling with the work.”

Some of his color palettes and forms remind me of James Jean’s 2010 (and earlier) work, but with a twist all his own.

A Melancholic Chronicle

The most recent edition of New American Paintings (#92) has a few sweet surprises inside. One of which is the artwork of Colette Murphy. Based out of Brooklyn, Murphy described that her paintings stem “from inner dialogue regarding politics, social criticism and fantasy. Images emerge from a place where the conscious self cannot process.” The invented space and the combination of paint, graphite, and raw linen draw you into this world of creation, leaving you asking for more. I love finding artists that subtly address current events, using tact to take life and death into the balance.

   

Conor Harrington

The fact that my thesis exhibition opens in now less than a month is sinking in. A month ago, my excitement was hardly containable. I was full of ambitious ideas and waiting in anticipation for them to materialize in front of me. Now, not much has materialized and all I want are more hours in my day to work. And painting only accounts for a fraction of my commitments. I’m getting antsy too, so distractions are frequent (aka: new blog). There is a devil on my shoulder which I feel has been winning the battle as of late. But today is a dedicated painting day so I began it flipping through my binder of references.

All Sound Fury - Conor Harrington

Every time I flip through, I keep getting caught on Conor Harrington‘s work. The abstract and figurative combination, the street grunge and the crisp graphic lines, the commentary on man; they come together to create some of my favorite artworks. Originally from Cork, Ireland, Conor lives and works in London. He grew up creating graffiti art and applies his street skills to his paintings that are now gaining international recognition. Whether on a brick wall down the street or contained by the dimensions of a canvas, these paintings are powerful.