VIII - Postodern: Diversity

1980 - Present

    What I love most about the Postmodern "Diversity" movement is how the world of art exploded into a symphony of imagination-fueled creative liberty and self-expression. It was the opening of a floodgate for many non-white artists, especially. This is when we finally start to see stronger influences of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures within art, and the "white male" steps out of the spotlight.

Orange Prince (1984) - synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen on canvas

Andy Warhol (1928-1987)

Camouflage Self-Portrait (1986) - acrylic and silkscreen on canvas

Andy Warhol (1928-1987)

    Orange Prince and Camouflage Self-Portrait reflect Diversity in the use of different mediums to come up with unique pieces unlike any art before them. Andy Warhol was a female, American artist. She was one of a growing number of female artists joining the realm of creativity, a realm that was once dominated by men. Warhol applies emphasized linework on top of silkscreen and influences the tone of the piece by using solid, contrasting paint colors in Orange Prince as well as Camouflage Self-Portrait. In the latter piece, acrylic was layered in a chaotic pattern that resembles army camouflage. The practice of painting over an image to give it further life or meaning has become a much more common art form after Warhol. While I respect the style, it isn't my favorite. I think it is interesting, and I know plenty of people who would especially love the Orange Prince, but I would not find these in my home.

Riding With Death (1988) - acrylic and oil paint stick on canvas

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988)

Warrior (1982) - acrylic and oil paint stick on wood panel

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988)

    Riding With Death and Warrior reflects Diversity in the use of different mediums to come up with unique pieces that are symbolic and some of the most well-renowned artwork in African-American history. Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist of African descent, who worked his way up to becoming one of the most influential artists in Postmodern history. Both paintings use acrylic and oil paint sticks. Basquiat predominantly relies on line, shape, and color to portray his subjects in Riding With Death and in Warrior. There are aspects of these two paintings that are very similar while, on the surface, they look to be nothing alike. There seems to be a recurring theme of skeletons in Basquiat's works. Perhaps this emphasizes on human mortality and the close relationship between life and death. I will say that I am drawn to Riding With Death more than I am to Warrior. While I appreciate the $42m piece, Warrior is just a bit too chaotic for my tastes. I love the minimalism of the first painting as well as the thoughts it inspires in me, and I absolutely would find it in my home.

Arctic Flow(1983) - acrylic on linen

Lilian Thomas Burwell (1927 - )

Waxleaf (1981) - acrylic on canvas

Lilian Thomas Burwell (1927 - )

    Arctic Flow and Waxleaf reflect Diversity in the use of different mediums to come up with abstract pieces that are eye-catching and make their admirers think. Lilian Thomas Burwell loves to blend the practices of painting and sculpting into flowing masterpieces. in fact, "flow" seems to be a common theme and style of painting for Burwell. There is an apparent use of line and shape to emphasize the petals or leaves in each piece. Tones are set with the contrasts of white and black, as notable in Arctic Flow, or light and dark shades of the same color, as notable with the many different greens in Waxleaf. There is also a strong sense of form as the colors and lines give definition to the paintings, making them pop out Both paintings are gorgeous, in my opinion. However, there is more balance of Waxleaf, more color, and a strong symbology. It reminds me of Yin and Yang and the balance we individually strive to achieve in our lives, in life. 

“Lilian Thomas Burwell | Arctic Flow | SOLD | 1983 | Berry Campbell Gallery.” Berrycampbell.com, berrycampbell.com/exhibition/155/exhibition_works/4966. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

“Lilian Thomas Burwell | Waxleaf | 1981 | Berry Campbell Gallery.” Berrycampbell.com, 2023, www.berrycampbell.com/artist/Lilian%20Thomas_Burwell/works/4370. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

Stockwell, Margaux. “Riding with Death (1988): One of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Last Paintings.” Singulart Magazine, 12 Feb. 2020, www.singulart.com/en/blog/2020/02/12/riding-with-death-1988-one-of-jean-michel-basquiats-last-paintings/.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Orange Prince (1984).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Nov. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Prince_(1984).

Wikipedia Contributors. “Warrior (1982 Painting).” Wikipedia, 25 Apr. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrior_(1982_painting).

Metmuseum.org, 2021, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/484952.