AnArte Gallery Show

ARTIST STATEMENT

This series "Insert Clever Title Here" and Other New Works by Robert Tatum, is the firstborn child conceived from a life long affair with street art, Hispanic culture, and skate/surf influences, while growing up in South Central Los Angeles. 

I begin with abstract backgrounds that are executed without the use of brushes. I intuitively invite the viewer to see a loose, random process of texture by manipulating the paint and causing a slight buildup that allows me to rub and sand down layers that softly appear inside tight areas where I then paint my subject matter boldly. Achieving simplicity is deceptively complex because of the thoughtful, artistic process. (However, I always joke," When I grow up, I want to be a minimalist! ". )

The cloud patterns repeated in this series are inspired by Tibetan Thangka paintings. According to the Tibetans, the natural, choreographic movement of clouds resembles a divine ballet of the heavens. They are amulets of luck, longevity and protection from negative energies. 

I also approach each painting with general iconic images from various cultures that have influenced me since childhood. In some way these iconic images inspire a visual feeling of "whimsicalness", much like comfort food that brings a smile of nostalgic contentment. Whether it is religious, spiritual, pop street cultural, or 

advertisement graphics, I never know where or when I will go through visual files stored in my mind and integrate these symbols and thoughts into my work. It's always a puzzle to pull and challenge myself to mix it all up and try to make sense of it all. I strive  to convey some kind of statement or silly pun that makes a grouchy, bored person laugh. ( or at least raise an eyebrow ).

Comments

[tatum]

My show is 7.7.11 hope you can make it.

[fnlzpn fnlzpn]

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