Message Art
Message art is simply art with a message. I grew up with the notion that art should be for art's sake. Aesthetics should be the only concern for an artist. In earlier centuries beauty and craft were the standards. The Greeks were obsessed with form, the Dutch with light and dark, all based upon balance, harmony, and the natural laws. In more recent times, with all the traditional rules being diminished the only measuring stick becomes “Does it work?” or “Does it hold?” and art became extremely individualistic and narcissistic.
What I attempt to do is return art to its roots and which was religious in nature. Primitive man's art revolved around the “hunt” and nature's cycles. Biblical art described the creation. Mythological art appeals to the “Gods in the stars” and their dramas.
What I focus on is creating an art that shows the quest for meaning and then the meaning itself. What I have arrived at after being on this quest is the realization that there is a higher being who cares about us. The path to this conclusion, the ways to relate to this higher being, and finally how to live once this belief is arrived at are delved into with both my art and writings. Message art perhaps is not the loftiest art, but it is the art called for at this time.
For about four years I've been developing a language in painting. By language I mean a visual way of portraying most human activity that is clear and straightforward. It is true one can still do good art without having a language. Observational painting such as portraiture or still life painting come to mind. However this is not suitable for the ideas I wish to convey. What I required was a visual vocabulary, similar in writing to having your own voice. To develop this language I've had to give up the precision type of drawing I had done. After fifteen years it had run its course. Certain deficiencies in my training and just the physicality and intensity of the drawings could not be continued. It was taking more and more to achieve less and less.
The body of this work will be exhibited on this site. First, the detail drawings, done either from observation or knowledge, will be included. Then, the first drawings I did, mostly from my memory and imagination with some borrowing from nature will be shown. Then, sketches of vignettes experienced while just living will also be posted. The latter skill was first cultivated in my late 50's and 60's.
Finally, my recent paintings done during the last four years will be the main feature. As said before, they embody the use of a language in art to express certain ideas. I use some of my drawing skills together with an almost folk art like simplicity. Some stress exists as I develop these paintings, such as the use of transparencies versus opaque application of paints, but in general I feel growth and movement and that is a healthy sign. A friend of mine said art is like holding a tiger by the tail, but so far all is okay and I have not been bit. Thank God.
Within these paintings I will write choice words keying in on important concepts and experiences from life and the spiritual journey. Previously I have written essays and poetry accompanying my artwork. Now I'll actually write on the paintings themselves, combining two disciplines.
This body of work, in all ways, serve to illustrate the thrust of my thinking along with a message that I hope resonates with many,
Steven Nussdorf