Especially when dealing with a well-known painting, analysing it is a breeze. However, not all artworks are well-known; some are hidden jewels that can only be discovered via careful examination. They are obscure gems, desperate to be found and cherished.
There is no work of art that cannot be analysed in some way. There’s a way through everything, you just have to find it. Reading a work of art requires more concentration and time than reading a work of literature since it is written in a different language. So here is my critique of this particular still-life painting by Alice Skipp.
Alice Skipp uses stencils in order to create visually conceptual and abstract works, as using stencils is a fast and efficient way to apply a pattern directly onto a canvas. The disorganised arrangements add a sense of messiness which creates the effect of sophistication in her work.
The theme of ‘Natural Forms’ is also linked to this, playing a huge part in her work because of the floral shape of the patterns she creates. These floral patterns give the art piece a visually pleasing and decorative look. They also help move the viewer’s eye through the entire artwork and help them observe the work, creating a sense of curiosity. Flowers in art also symbolise love and passion, which leaves a feeling of tranquillity and serenity in the viewer.
Alice Skipp uses primary colours to symbolise the futility of materialism.
She also uses primary colours, which might be a way of presenting the simplicity behind the earthy possessions. This links to the main concept of this work, which is still life, as the whole point of still-life art is to present the transience of life and the futility of materialism.
We can see that the lines at the bottom of the work are repeated patterns, which create a sense of rhythm and movement. This is ironic because still-life art depicts things that are “still” and don’t move. Maybe the artist tried to create a contrast between the futility and complexity of materialism(by using both repeated patterns and still-life objects). She did this in order to present the viewer with her endeavour to present a self-concept, as most artists use materialism in their work to define their perceptions of themselves. It is as if this art piece was an attempt at self-expression of how uneasy and odd life actually is.
Alice Skipp has a very distinct and unique way of expressing herself, and it’s not always easy to understand what she’s trying to say at first glance, which is normal! Her works express really significant ideas in the most unusual ways possible, and you can find those ideas by paying close attention to every single detail in the artwork.
