Tutorial 19.5.11 Klaas Hoek

MA FINE ART: TUTORIAL NOTES FORM


NAME OF STUDENT: max strasser

NAME OF TUTOR: Klaas Hoek

DATE: 19.5.11



STUDENT TO FILL IN:
1.What points were discussed during the tutorial?

At first we talked about the series of people covering their heads in interesting ways. I mentioned, that I like the contrast between the photographic background, and the more painterly faces. Klaas raised the question, if I want to imitate photography, or keep it in a painted manner. I mentioned that I would be interested in painting a nearly abstract image into a rather photographic background. We spoke about the point, when painting is actually representing the medium itself, and when painting is representing the image. We furthermore discussed that there is a photographic out of focus, and another – ore more another way(s) of a painterly out of focus. Klaas noted, that it is always a game of the experience, and the existing knowledge of the viewer. I talked about my interest in creating a image, that is abstract from a closer point of view, but from the distance it is decode-able. Klaas mentioned, that it would also be possible, to paint a very close detail of something, which would on the one hand look like an abstract image, but represent something. He advised me to make close detail-photos of things, as a research in this topic, rather than directly try to paint it, as it is quicker.

Klaas recommended me to look at the work of Wilhelm Sasnal. He also mentioned, that Luc Tuymans has published a book with his templates. It would rather be interesting, what other artists look at, than what they actually make out of it.



2. What issues will be thinking further on as a result of this conversation?

I will think about the contrast between photorealistic backgrounds and painterly foregrounds. I also think about, if I want to imitate photography in the background, or keep it in a painted manner. I would rather think about imitation, to keep the contrast strong. Furthermore I want to start doing photographs of everyday-details to get a sense of abstraction in everyday life.



STAFF COMMENTS:

Max showed well-painted canvases where he is looking for researching relationships between photography and painting. We discussed that this remediation is a common issue in lots of contemporary paintings and I was wondering what it was that interested Max in particular. I pointed at elements that were maybe based on a more personal interest than the general issues. There are numerous possibilities to link painterly and more photographic iconography beyond the example of the usual suspects in the topical discussion around painting. Max can paint very well but is still looking for his own entrance to or signature in painting.