2020 04 Andrea Matus deMeng Challenge No. 1: Odilon Redon

MATUS WORKSHOP JUNKIES
Andrea Matus deMeng
April 23, 2020

CHALLENGE 1

Challenge #1: Collage, paint or sketch a small work inspired by Odilon Redon's piece "The Eye, Like a Strange Balloon, Mounts Towards Infinity".

Odilon Redon is a French artist who lived from 1840 to 1916. While he worked in a number of mediums, I am familiar with the work from which Andrea selected the image above. To me, this type of work reminds me of surrealism and Freud. They have a creepy challenge to them that really makes me look for the story in the piece.

When I was studying the work of Redon above, another familiar piece of art came to mind:

Joseph Cornell, Tilly Losch, 1935-1938

What came to my mind when blending Redon with Cornell was Cornell's early collage work could look similar to Redon's work (maybe without some of the psychological depth).

Joseph Cornell, Untitled, 1931

So, now I know what direction I want to go. While Cornell would build his own boxes, I went the easy route and headed into my basement to find something appropriate in my stash.

Painted backdrop

For the edges of the box (and because I was eager to try out this product because of another on-line project I am embroiled in) I used Seth Apter's Baked Texture which turned out pretty cool.

Thus we have, I Should Have Remained Burdened With Destination.

The title is from a poem by Weldon Kees called The Patient is Rallying.

I want to thank Andrea for the Challenge. I find these challenges by many of the artists I follow on the web a great life saver while we are all staying indoors and social distancing.