Tag: Blog Post 7

George Hardie:

George Hardie was an English graphic designer, educator, and illustrator. To him, illustration is a problem-solving process: one that involves looking, collecting, and drawing. He also sees illustration and graphic design as just two different points on a single graphic continuum- an idea that has influenced his style of art.

His unique style consists of clean lines and exacting geometry along with a conceptual-oriented mode of thought. He uses highly-skilled draftsmanship and intricate compositions to convey richly imagined visions of their physical or psychological conditions. In essence, he draws visual ideas that force viewers to “wear a new pair of spectacles” and to open up to a new visual experience of even the most familiar terrain. In addition, his neutral vision style allows viewers to focus on an idea or object under examination rather than an artist’s hand.

Continue reading “Social Awakenings: George Hardie (b. 1944)”

Franz Marc:

Franz Marc was a German artist who is most famous for his images of brightly coloured and mysterious animals, which he used to convey messages about humanity, the natural world, and the fate of mankind. His work consists of simplified lines and vivid colours- Marc understood that colour could affect mood and developed a specific theory of colour symbolism. He favoured abstraction as he believed that mystical energy was best revealed through abstraction; art should lay bare the spiritual essence of natural forms instead of just copying objective appearances. He believed that civilization destroyed the human awareness of the spiritual force of nature and he looked upon the natural world as an antidote to modern life, which is why his paintings of animals are often suffused with an almost meditative reverence.

He founded the group “Der Blaue Reiter” (The Blue Rider), an association of German Expressionist artists, that emphasized the use of abstracted forms and bold colours. Der Blaue Reiter’s goal was to use form and symbolism as tools to overcome what they saw as the toxic state of the modern world.

Continue reading “Expressionism, Fauvism, and Early Twentieth Century: Franz Marc (1880-1916)”