Artistic Still Life, A Journey From Past and Present

A bowl of apples with a bottle of wine, is not the most engaging of images yet this collection of objects makes up many still life paintings and this practice is much more than a mere representation of inanimate objects; it is a vibrant exploration of human creativity that transcends time. Whether it be a tatty box or some plastic still life images are as old as the hills yet it is, at the same time, as fresh as a daisy.

The image on left: Grace by Sara Lucas (2006) – Tights, kapok, wooden chair – Roberts Institute of Art

Prepare to discover, and actually be excited, about how this art form, far from being static, is in constant evolution and capable of conveying profound messages about society. Be inspired by what you never thought of, as dynamic and modern: It is.

This style of art known as still life painting traces its earliest roots back to ancient civilizations, where artists captured the beauty of everyday objects.

Indeed, the genre of still life is not limited, as you may think, to bouquets of flowers or bowls of fruit. Take, for instance, the famous classical painting The Basket of Apples – 1926 by Paul Cézanne, which explores form and colour with striking depth. There is far more to this seemingly simple painting than meets the eye.

Paul Cézanne – The Basket of Apples – 1926. Art Institute of Chicago

From the earliest of days, this style of painting was explored. During the Renaissance, for example, this painting technique flourished as artists celebrated the richness of objects, blending aesthetics with deeper symbolism. For them, these were in essence an exercise in their own creative process. These works conveyed narratives of beauty, mortality, and the human condition as well as opportunities to look at their style, or how light affected the room whilst working.

It’s also worth noting that painting in certain time frames where a show of wealth. Think of them as a historical channel handbag. Wealthy patrons commissioned these compositions to showcase their social status, featuring luxurious items like exotic fruits and crystal vases as visual declarations of affluence.

These carefully chosen objects not only reflected their wealth and refined taste but also served as a visual declaration of affluence, signalling to visitors that they could indulge in such luxuries.

Artists have been drawn, over the centuries, to this technique for several reasons. An opportunity to express beauty through light and shadow, or to convey symbolism from the ephemeral beauty of flowers to the melancholy of skulls, and also to refine technical skills like perspective and texture. After all art students, some who studied under great masters, were given still life set-ups to pain in order to shine their skills.

In the 20th century, innovators like Picasso and Braque reinterpreted still life through abstraction and cubism, proving that the genre could be both traditional and avant-garde. It really highlighted that this form of art could cross any artistic boundary.

Pablo Picasso’s Still Life with Chair Caning brilliantly utilizes everyday objects to challenge our perception of reality, transforming the ordinary into a profound commentary on art and representation.

Compotier avec fruits, violon et verre by Pablo Picasso

Exploring a new exhibition Immortal Apples, Eternal Eggs highlights the depth and breadth of this fascinating genre. Curated by the Ingram Collection and the Roberts Institute of Art, it showcases still-life works that span across time.

This captivating display explores the evolution of the genre, revealing the richness of its forms and expressions, from classic to contemporary. Get ready to be inspired.

It raises a question. How, in 2024, do we look at still life and how do artists in this century explore this genre as an art form?

This show is a Tapestry of artistic and historical significance, it does not merely showcase works; it creates a fascinating dialogue among artists and viewers.

Consider Orange and Green Still Life by Mary Fedden (1957). This vibrant piece employs striking colours and a careful composition to capture the essence of still life. Yet its modernity is striking.

Mary Fedden, RA (1915-2012), Orange and Green Still Life, 1957, oil on canvas. Image courtesy of The Ingram Collection © Estate of Mary Fedden

Bertozzi & Casoni’s Scatola Brillo (2005) offers a fascinating dialogue with Andy Warhol’s iconic Brillo Box from 1970.

While Warhol’s work became synonymous with the rise of Pop Art and consumer culture, Scatola Brillo reinterprets this familiar imagery through the lens of glazed ceramics, transforming an ordinary object into a symbol of contemporary culture.

This piece blends humour and social critique, prompting reflection on consumer society while celebrating craftsmanship. In doing so, it echoes Warhol’s exploration of everyday objects, inviting viewers to consider the value and meaning we assign to the items in our lives.

Bertozzi & Casoni, Scatola Brillo, 2005, glazed ceramic. © Bertozzi & Casoni. Courtesy the artist and Sperone Westwater, New York

This exhibition is all about contemporary evolution, and revisiting this practice. Artists like Abigail Norris’s The Faellen Aeppel (2023) resonate with the historical tradition of still life, where artists often depicted luxurious fruits and fine objects as symbols of wealth and social status.

Abigail Norris (b. 1970), The Faellen Aeppel, 2023, latex, wadding, tights, copper wire, vintage silk gloves. Image courtesy of The Ingram Collection © Abigail Norris

Just as these paintings showcased abundance to reflect the owner’s prosperity, Norris’s work draws on this legacy, using unconventional materials to comment on contemporary consumption and value.

This connection underscores how the themes of luxury and status in still life continue to echo in modern artistic practices.

In our modern day, the way we showcase our taste and status through this art form is transforming. No longer confined to lavish paintings of exotic fruits, today’s art celebrates the everyday. Objects like teacups, vintage vinyl, or even quirky kitchen gadgets can become powerful symbols of identity and nostalgia.

Today, still life is more relevant than ever. Contemporary artists, playing with varied materials and innovative techniques, often incorporate digital or mixed media elements, broadening the boundaries of this genre.

Contemporary works can be a vibrant blend of 2D and 3D forms, with classic paintings juxtaposed against playful sculptures that extend from the wall. The exhibition, Power Hungry by Valerie Asiimwe Amani (2020) delves into themes of desire and power through the medium of video.

Power Hungry by Valerie Asiimwe Amani (2020)

This innovation showcases the endless possibilities of creativity, as each piece explores our shared reality. Current exhibitions often feature immersive experiences where digital art and physical objects collide, inviting both laughter and introspection.

The exhibition showc how artists use unconventional materials to reflect contemporary themes like sustainability and identity, celebrating the stories behind even the simplest objects.

Rachel Kneebone’s But For Now I Am Alive (2014) indeed engages with themes of life, death, and rebirth through its intricate porcelain and cardboard forms.

The organic shapes and delicate textures evoke a sense of fragility, reflecting the transient nature of existence. The inclusion of eggs, a traditional symbol of life, further reinforces these themes, serving as a powerful reminder of fertility and renewal. By transcending the conventional boundaries, Kneebone invites viewers to contemplate the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of creation and decay, making her work a profound exploration of these universal concepts.

But For Now I Am Alive by Rachel Kneebone (2014)

This piece beautifully illustrates how contemporary artists blend tradition and innovation, honouring the past while addressing modern issues.

This exhibition showcases how contemporary artists renew the still life genre with vibrant colors, innovative materials, and rich textures, creating a dynamic fusion of ideas and cultures.

Today, each object tells a story, fostering a dialogue between past and present and reminding us of the exceptional ways artists express their identities.

To find out all you need to know about Immortal Apples, Eternal Eggs exhibition please visit Immortal Apples, Eternal Eggs exhibition here

If you enjoyed reading Union in Still Life, Artistic Journey Between Past and Present then why not read, How to Reference Art in an Essay here

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