I thought I would escape the turbulent world of politics tonight, and veer more towards happier topics: art collecting. Lately I have become quite interested in different types of paintings and prints. I think it is because I live in a townhouse with stark white walls (the landlord doesn't want to mar the walls with nail holes, so the only thing that lingers on my walls are my stares). I am also doubly cursed: I have the soul of a collector, but the wallet of a pauper.
On this site we frequently discuss many artistic endeavors, such as books, music and film, so I thought I would ask about painters/photographers. So who is your favorite contemporary artist these days? I don't mean fairly well known folks like Peter Max, but up and comers that are probably only known regionally with paintings or prints in local galleries or just hanging in their own basement. Add some links to back up your choices if possible. Below are my just three of my choices and why. I should add the caveat that I really know nothing about art. I like what I like...it just hits me as soon as I see it.
First, lets start with a little "outsider art." I am drawn to the simplistic pop paintings of Paco Felici from Texas (
http://www.pacof.com/...). Paco's art appears crude, but the colors are vibrant and I like his subjects, such as the faces and pop icons. I also like how he mixes in the latino themes. I only have one of his paintings, but if I could find more at a reasonable price, I would purchase them.
Next is an artist named Dan Marks (http://homepage.mac.com/...). Dan specializes in paintings or dioramas of every day scenes in his own environment. While his three dimensional pieces are very interesting, it is his large street scenes, particularly of bustling Boston-area neighborhoods that really draw you into the painting. His non-linear forms and swirling brush strokes add to the motion and you can almost hear the honking in the street scenes. He also uses very bright colors as well (can you see a pattern here for me?). Dan recently moved from the Northeast back to the Midwest, so I will be interested in seeing how his paintings adapt to those surroundings.
Lastly, I am really drawn to the work of GC Myers (http://gcmyers.com/...). I first saw his paintings in a small gallery in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. I know they aren't everyone's cup of tea, but again, it is the simplicity in form and color that I like. That and the odd Dr. Seuss feel they exude. I don't have any of these pieces yet, but I am saving my pennies.
So, what do you like? What would you like to hang in that blank wall space in your living room?