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Inspiration from Favourite Artists week Ten : Paul Nash and Desmond Morris.
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Posted
I’m not really over fond of his work , I do like some of his war stuff I suppose that’s due to having spent a lot of time in the military. I like these three , Whiteleaf Cross in particular as it’s very near to me and I have been there many times . The woodyard one reminds me of the work I did in the woodland near to Whiteleaf Cross, especially the wicker fencing .
I can’t put my finger on why in not do fond of his work , however he is a great artist maybe it just the style ?.
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Posted
And now for something completely different.
Desmond Morris is a renowned author, broadcaster and zoologist. He is perhaps best known for his work relating to human behaviour and his book ‘The Naked Ape’, published in 1967 and the 1950s TV show ‘Zoo Time’ which he presented. However, he was primarily a surrealist artist. He also wrote and directed two surrealist films and organised an exhibition of paintings by chimpanzees at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (I.C.A.) in 1957. He went on to be director at the I.C.A. from 1967-8.
Morris’s work reflects influences from the likes of Kandinsky, Klee, Dali, Miro and even Picasso – some of my favourite artists. Sadly, although arguably not in their league, it seems to me, he is often totally underrated. What appeals to me is his imagination and the humour which he injects into his work. He’s certainly influenced me in my abstract line work, some examples of which I’ve posted here on POL in the past.
So I’m waving the flag for Desmond Morris and will be interested to know what others make of his work.
To set the ball rolling here are a couple of my favourites of his, The Neoteric and Totem:
Posted
Thank you for the introduction Michael, I had a look at his work a few days back when you suggested him. I was not aware it was the Desmond Morris I recall from tv as a child what a talented man . I will have a look later and pick a few out , its not what I would deliberately search out but form what I have seen its great artwork and such good fun as well. I can see how it was an influence on your work .
Posted
I’d forgotten that Desmond Morris is a surrealist painter, although I do recall now having seen some of his work years ago. He describes it as biomorphic rather than purely abstract. It’s colourful and humorous - I’ve selected a few. Brain Child, Woman with Cat and Lost in Thought.
Edited
by Jenny Harris
Posted
Three good examples Paul. To appreciate, or should I say enjoy, his work, or indeed any of the work in this genre, requires a mindset that is not trapped in the constraints of conventionalism. Once you break free beyond the box as I did, it opens up a whole new liberating world with the opportunities to expand your repertoire of work.
Posted
I can recognise your one, Michael. I have not come across this artist's before. Some of his work, reminded me of a less harsh form, of Francis Bacon. Not all, just some aspects of it. I always find work like this very interesting to look at. I often want to know what the painting is saying but as you have said, it's liberating. It's not confining and a true freedom of expression, I guess. I also liked his Portrait of a Thinking Girl.
Posted
Three great examples Include your own work Michael. I do understand what you are saying and agree with you . I have due to the artist we have looked at in this thread started to explore a lot more nothing earth moving but steps out of the boxed in areas . I do think when someone suggests a artist and you look at it from the perspective of the person making the recommendation you at it slightly differently to what you might do normally .
Like the portrait Denise I did not notice this when I was looking .
Posted
I have a simplistic view , well I would have too can’t deal with complications , I have never tried to understand what a artist might be saying with this artwork, it’s beyond me. I look at a painting and if I like the subject , how it’s painted and the general look, it’s good enough for me . It does work for me as there are a variety of paintings I like just because I like them, I do like being in the comfort of my box most of the time , nice to pop out occasionally.