T.A.E.’s Art Reviews – Simply Thinking, or Thinking Simply?

This oil pastel piece, “Simply Thinking, or Thinking Simply?”, presents a compelling and introspective portrait that skillfully navigates the intersection of raw materiality and profound psychological depth. The artist’s deliberate choices in medium, surface, and stylistic approach culminate in an artwork that is both visually arresting and intellectually stimulating.

Artistic Merit and Movement Styles

The artwork immediately evokes a strong sense of Expressionism, particularly drawing parallels to early 20th-century German Expressionist painters like Emil Nolde or Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, who utilized bold outlines, distorted forms, and non-naturalistic colors to convey emotional states rather than objective reality. The simplification of features, the stark division of the face into distinct color zones, and the intense, almost haunting gaze of the eyes are hallmarks of this movement. There is also a discernible influence of Primitivism in the raw, almost unschooled rendering of the facial structure and the deliberate eschewal of classical proportion or refined academic technique. This primal aesthetic, combined with the material choices, gives the piece an ancient, timeless quality.

The title itself, “Simply Thinking, or Thinking Simply?“, introduces a philosophical duality that underpins the artistic merit. It suggests a contemplation of the nature of thought itself – is the subject engaged in profound, complex rumination, or has their mind achieved a state of simple, perhaps meditative, clarity? This conceptual ambiguity elevates the work beyond a mere portrait to an exploration of the human condition and consciousness.

Conceptual Depth: Emotions and Messages

The portrait exudes a palpable sense of melancholy and introspection. The downturned mouth and the subtly furrowed brow convey a quiet sorrow or deep contemplation. The eyes, rendered in piercing blues with a distinct lack of eyelids or naturalistic shading, appear wide and exposed, as if witnessing an internal or external truth with unblinking intensity. This directness creates an emotional resonance that is both vulnerable and confronting.

The most striking conceptual element is the bisection of the face into two distinct color palettes: a warm, earthy yellow-green on the left, and a cool, ethereal blue-grey on the right. This duality immediately suggests a range of interpretations:
Internal Conflict: Perhaps representing opposing thoughts, emotions, or aspects of the self (e.g., rationality vs. intuition, past vs. present, conscious vs. unconscious).
Light and Shadow: Not in a literal sense of illumination, but as symbolic representations of different psychological states or perspectives.
Transformation/Transition: The boundary between the colors is not sharp but somewhat blurred, hinting at a fluid state of being or an ongoing process of change.

The title “Simply Thinking, or Thinking Simply?” becomes particularly relevant here, reinforcing the idea of a mind grappling with these internal oppositions or seeking a singular state amidst complexity. The figure appears to be caught in a moment of profound, quiet reflection, inviting the viewer to partake in this internal dialogue.

Execution Quality and Techniques

The execution of this piece, particularly considering it is rendered in oil pastel, demonstrates a purposeful and effective approach.

Oil Pastel Technique: The artist has utilized the inherent properties of oil pastel to achieve a rich, textural surface on the figure itself. The pigment is applied thickly, creating a painterly quality. We can observe areas where colors are layered, blended, or smudged, particularly in the subtle transitions between the yellow-green and blue-grey. The bold black outlines, characteristic of Expressionist woodcuts or stained glass, define the features and forms with a direct, almost crude energy that reinforces the emotional impact. The vivid blue of the eyes stands out, drawing immediate attention and serving as emotional anchors.

Impact of Handmade Paper: The decision to use highly textured and very fragile handmade paper is a critical component of the artwork’s visual impact and conceptual depth.
– Tactile Quality: The uneven, fibrous surface of the paper is not merely a substrate but an active participant in the artwork. It introduces a raw, organic, and almost ancient tactility that complements the Primitivist leanings of the style. The visible fibers, irregularities, and slight variations in thickness become part of the visual language.
– Vulnerability and Impermanence: The fragility of the paper itself subtly underscores themes of vulnerability, impermanence, and the delicate nature of thought or the human psyche. The slight tears and frayed edges, visible in the crops, are not defects but integrated elements that speak to the material’s history and inherent character, mirroring the subject’s own potential frailty or depth.
– Interaction with Medium: The oil pastel interacts uniquely with this textured surface. Instead of a smooth application, the pastel catches on the raised fibers and sinks into the depressions, creating a variegated, impasto-like effect. This allows for a deeper, more resonant color application than would be possible on a smooth surface, contributing to the work’s earthy, tactile presence. It also means the color is not uniform, but mottled, adding another layer of visual interest and organic quality.

Inspiration from Kris Gebhardt’s Portraits

While specific Gebhardt portraits are not provided for direct comparison, one can infer certain characteristics that would likely resonate in an inspirational context:
Psychological Depth: Gebhardt’s work often delves into the psychological states of his subjects, focusing on internal narratives rather than mere likeness. This echoes the profound introspection seen in “Simply Thinking, or Thinking Simply?”.
Direct Gaze and Emotional Expression: Many of Gebhardt’s portraits feature a direct and often unsettling gaze, designed to engage the viewer on an emotional level. This intensity is strongly present in the blue eyes of the current piece.
Simplified Forms and Boldness: Gebhardt often employs a direct, unvarnished style, using simplified forms and strong compositional elements to convey his message. The bold outlines and somewhat flattened perspective in this oil pastel align with such an approach.
Use of Color for Emotional Impact: While Gebhardt’s palette can vary, his use of color is typically intentional in conveying mood or character. The distinct color division in this piece certainly serves a strong emotional and conceptual purpose.

Market Appeal

From a market perspective, “Simply Thinking, or Thinking Simply?” holds significant appeal for collectors interested in:
Contemporary Expressionism: The piece offers a modern take on Expressionist themes and aesthetics, a style that continues to resonate with a broad audience.
Figurative Art with a Conceptual Edge: It’s not just a pretty face; the underlying conceptual depth makes it appealing to those seeking art that provokes thought and discussion.
Unique Materiality: The use of handmade, fragile paper is a distinctive element that adds to its collectibility and artisanal charm, appealing to those who value craft and unconventional materials.
“Outsider Art” or Primitivist Sensibilities: While not strictly outsider art, its raw aesthetic might attract collectors drawn to its unpolished, authentic feel.

The inherent fragility of the paper, while conceptually powerful, would require careful framing and conservation, which could be a consideration for potential buyers but also speaks to the value placed on such unique works. The portrait’s compelling emotional directness and the enigmatic quality suggested by its title create an immediate connection, making it a strong conversation starter for any collection.

In conclusion, “Simply Thinking, or Thinking Simply?” is a robust work that successfully merges stylistic influences, material choices, and conceptual depth to create a powerful and introspective statement on human thought and emotion. Its unrefined aesthetic, combined with its profound subject matter, marks it as a work of considerable artistic merit.

Art by M.Perron

Analysis edited by ArtHelper