Research Task: Landscape Painting Now

Search the internet and social media to explore the development of landscape painting in the twentieth century. Try to find at least two artists connecting to the landscape in ways that feel new or unfamiliar to you and read around their motivations and context.

Reflect on your discoveries in your learning log, applying insights to your own developing practice and understanding of the contemporary landscape.

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The Museaum of Contempory art Porto/ Olafur Eliasson

Whilst on holiday in Portugal, I noticed this artist at the Contemporary art Museum in Porto.

Olafur Eliasson is a renowned contemporary artist known for his innovative and immersive installations that explore perception, light, space, and nature. His artistic career has spanned over two decades, during which he has created numerous impactful works and projects, for example, the one I saw, 'The Curious Vortex'.

Eliasson often collaborates with specialists from various fields, including engineers and landscape architects. His studio, Studio Olafur Eliasson, functions as a 'laboratory for spatial research' and employs experts to conceive and construct installations, sculptures, and large-scale projects.

One of Eliasson's most famous works is 'The Weather Project', which was exhibited at the Tate Modern in London in 2003, and transformed the gallery's Turbine Hall into an immersive environment using mist, lights, and a massive mirror on the ceiling. Visitors could see their reflections as tiny shadows against a golden sun-like light. I suppose similar approach to Anish Kapoor's Sky Mirrors.

Eliasson has also experimented with natural elements and landscapes. In his 'Green River' project (1998-2001), he dyed rivers in different cities fluorescent green using an environmentally safe dye, sparking conversations about human impact on the environment. In 'A Riverbed Inside the Museum' (2014-2015), he recreated a natural riverbed within a museum space, blurring the boundaries between the natural and constructed environment.

The artist has explored various mediums beyond installations. He has captured the natural beauty of Iceland through colour photographs, documenting volcanoes, hot springs, and isolated huts. His ongoing series of 'Colour experiment paintings' (2009-) delves into pigments, paint production, and the precise His projects often provoke contemplation on the relationship between humans, nature, and the built environment. Through his innovative and thought-provoking artworks, Olafur Eliasson continues challenging perceptions and creating immersive experiences for viewers. These are concepts that seem on such a large scale that rather than just seeming new and unfamiliar, they seem unobtainable.

Adam Bogusz

Bogusz, A. Only you Painting, Acrylic on wood (2022) www.saatchiart.com

"One of my earliest and most treasured memories is watching my father paint. I still remember the intoxicating smell of the oil paint mixed with turpentine as we would chat and laugh together while he created these scenes from his imagination. It's no wonder that eventually I would follow him down the same path.

I picked up a brush later in life. I followed other creative passions like acting and music before painting called me. These other two disciplines play an important role in how I approach my work. The actor in me likes to take on new roles and look at life not just from my perspective but from a variety of outlooks. The musician in me loves spontaneity and is always looking for that next happy accident. The painter in me adores colour. My aim when I paint is not purely to create decoration but to provoke the viewer to look inward and reflect on their inner world"

Adam Bogusz 2022

The concept of landscape painting from my own imagination is something that greatly intrigues me. When I contemplate this artistic approach, specific places and locations I have personally visited or experienced immediately come to mind. I must admit that the idea of freely merging various places within my imagination has not yet crossed my mind.

On reflection, blending different landscapes from my imagination opens up a realm of possibilities. It allows me to explore the boundless potential of my creative mind. By combining elements from various places I have encountered, I can construct entirely new and unique landscapes that exist solely inside my head. I can paint the familiar whimsical or fantastical.

Through the fusion of different places, I can craft compositions that evoke both a sense of nostalgia and an exhilarating sense of the unknown.

• How can I effectively merge different landscapes from my imagination to create a cohesive and visually appealing composition? By paying attention to each place's lighting, colours, textures, and overall mood, I can find ways to harmonise them in my composition. Experimenting with different brushstrokes and techniques to seamlessly integrate the different landscapes.

• Are there any specific techniques or approaches that can help me bring forth the essence of different places in my landscape paintings? I can consider using a combination of loose brushwork to suggest a sense of spontaneity and impressionism and more detailed rendering for specific elements that require emphasis. Different colour palettes and mark-making techniques can also capture the unique characteristics of each location.

• How can I strike a balance between capturing the familiarity of specific locations and infusing them with a touch of fantasy and imagination? By carefully selecting and juxtaposing elements from different landscapes. I can consider focusing on key features or landmarks that are distinct to each place while allowing my imagination to transform the surroundings. Using colour, composition, and atmospheric effects creates a sense of magic and wonder in my work.

• Can the act of painting from imagination and blending different landscapes serve as a means of self-expression and exploration of personal emotions? I might blend different places from my imagination and consider the emotions and memories associated with each location. The humidity in the air or the sun on my face. Let emotions guide my brushwork, colour choices, and overall composition to create a personal and evocative representation.

• How can I ensure that the fusion of places in my paintings maintains a sense of coherence and visual harmony? Paying close attention to the relationships between different elements and ensuring they flow naturally within the painting. Considering the use of leading lines, perspective, and colour harmony to create a sense of unity and balance in my composition. I might also consider chaos and order or, like Ilana Savdie with her discordant juxtapositions.

• Are there any famous artists or artworks that have successfully employed the concept of landscape painting from imagination, and what can I learn from their techniques and approaches? J.M.W. Turner, Claude Monet, and Salvador Dali have all explored the realms of imagination and memory in their landscape works.

• How might viewers interpret and engage with landscape paintings created from a fusion of places in the artist's imagination?

• Will certain elements be familiar and find a personal connection to the scenes depicted? Will the fusion of landscapes create imaginative aspects and a sense of wonder and mystery? The interpretation ultimately depends on the viewer's own experiences and perspectives. It is subjective.

• Can painting from imagination and merging landscapes help me develop my unique artistic style and voice? Experimentation and having fun with the concept will help me find out!

• What role does memory play in the process of painting from imagination, and how can I effectively tap into my memories to infuse my artwork with personal meaning? Memory will always play a significant role in my process of painting, and having imagination as an aid to enhance that can only develop the practice, I think. My memories of specific places allow me to infuse my artwork with a sense of authenticity and personal meaning.

• How might the new fresh concept of landscape painting from imagination evolve and expand as I continue to explore and experiment with this approach?

• Embracing continuous growth and learning allows my imagination to lead me to uncharted territories and undiscovered places. Being open to new ideas, inspiration, and experiences helps shape my developing practice.

The idea of painting landscapes from my imagination has opened up a whole new world of artistic possibilities for me. It gives me the freedom to combine different places from my mind, allowing me to express my creativity in a unique way. By blending elements from various landscapes, I can create powerful compositions that are both familiar and awe-inspiring. This process will enhance my artistic journey and strengthen my emotional and memory connections. I'm really excited to start experimenting with it.

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References.

Bogusz, A. (2022) Only you Painting [Acrylic on wood 30 x 30 cm]. Available at: https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Only-you/993834/10540135/view (Accessed: 31 May 2023).