Figuratively speaking: an exploration of the human form

I’ve recently been fortunate enough to have a trip to California and visited a number of art galleries exploring the art scene and cultural life in that part of America.  First gallery on my hit list was the Fine Art Gallery in the Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas (where they filmed Oceans 12 with George Clooney and Brad Pitt). This engaging exhibition was a group show featured more than 40 paintings, photographs, sculpture and video installations by 29 artists. Works by Renoir, Picasso, Barbara Kruger and  Bill Viola to name just a few exploring the human form.  An interesting mix of artists spanning two centuries going through different states of being and representation giving the viewer the opportunity to see traditional and contemporary works on figurative art. These works helped to define the genre in the late 19th, 20th and early 21st centuries. Historical perspectives on mediums used by the various artists and a point in time in which to check out where we have come from, and, perhaps think about where me may be going in terms of subject matter and how we depict it? This fine art gallery is located in a very large hotel in Las Vegas where life is seen to be in a different sphere altogether and where Las Vegas works on different levels. From the downright tackiness to an almost tasteful disguise showing works of art in such a location brings home the relevance of how much art is needed in our everyday life. To bring a sense of beauty to a world where people and illusions collide.

Images to research: The Sweeper, Renior, Women with Beret, Picasso, Your Body is a Battleground, Barbara Kruger, Still from The Crossing, Bill Viola