This early attempt at a coloured oil painting was inspired by a documentary on Russian art by Andrew Graham-Dixon, in which he discussed Constructivism and made reference to Alexandr Rodchenko’s declaration regarding the ‘death of painting’. The title is intended to be ironic in suggesting that there is ‘still life’ in painting, whereas it is the chemical photography which motivated Rodchenko’s sweeping statement that is in its death throes. I think the motif has merit but I just got a bit carried away with the burnt umber. One to revisit.
Thanks Graham. It’s definitely a theme I’d really like to try and do justice to in a painting eventually.
Fascinating work. Quite thought provoking!