Author: Chloe Sundberg
I feel that there is a duty on my part (as a student of art, a supporter, a producer, an evaluator, and a teacher of art for decades) to assist those who are unfamiliar with the Abstract Impressionist Style. Some people may not have seen this style before or need an explanation of what, how, and why artists create in this style. So, what is Abstract Expressionism? Historically, it goes back to the early 1940’s. It’s a legitimate style – design-like, innovative, decorative, imaginative, emotional, and colorful, with texture, motion, atmosphere, and spontaneity.
The challenge is that this style involves strictly emotionally charged imagery coming from a subjective perspective. There is NO realism. The idea is this – emotions are more important than the realistic appearance of anything. This is Abstract Expressionism. In its defense, nowhere is it decreed that a work of art must be representational. Coming to an abstract-expressionist exhibit and expecting to see realistic paintings is visually analogous to musically going to a rock concert and expecting to hear Mozart!
Please consider this article a learning endeavor – an aid to understanding (and a challenge to me) to explain non-representational art works. This is not an attempt to “sell” this style to those who truly and honestly are not ready to embrace it.
Patti Kelly is a local artist, locally educated and juried in many New England venues. Patti has shown locally and regionally, taught in public and private schools, and currently teaches at the Worcester Art Museum. I’m impressed by the power and strength of Patti’s abstraction – the atmospheric effects, the great use of color, and much movement – swirling, repetition, flowing, bouncing, streaking. Patti also makes great use of texture – impasto, the shimmer of glaze, stipple, pressing of tools, and scraping.
How do YOU interpret these works? Art is, after all, in the eye and the mind of the beholder. Patti’s work is her emotional message to her public. You have the freedom to base your response on your emotions and feelings as well.
Do enjoy and grow – art-wise – by visiting “In My Backyard” by Patti Kelly.