As part of the assignment, I am tasked with discovering the works of Mark Tansey. So as usual, I borrow a book about Mark Tansey from the library and learn about his works in conjunction with using the internet.
White on White is the one which interests me the most. I believe it is because of the appealing and dramatic nature of the snowstorm.
Upon further research, I notice the opposing elements in his painting: The Inuit/the Bedouin, Sled dogs/ camels, arctic/desert, snow/sand, and the winds are in opposite directions. Yet, despite the differences, the monochromatic color tone signifies unity of space.
Another work which captures my attention is Triump over Mastery II. Probably the orange – red color tone signifies the energy and vibrancy of the artist/painter as mentioned in the title.
I can also see that the painter is spreading coats of white paint over his own shadow. What a feat! Besies, the meaning of “mastery” is further strengthened by the unsupported ladder. I wonder what the artist tries to tell us.
Lastly, on a cooler color tone, I look at Raw and the Framed. It is said in the book “The picture in question” that the man on the very right is Levi Straus. He is inspecting a decorative gilded frame in a secure museum, while failing to realize that the work has been made on an assembly line.
Similary to White on White, many opposing elements are present in this painting: cave/museum, dark/light, nature/culture,…
Grape Le 