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Mini Monet
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Message
Posted
I've just watched a documentary about Kieron Williamson, dubbed the Mini Monet. Whilst he is clearly talented, I wonder if he can develop his ability now that he's no longer a child. I've no doubt he could go on producing saleable paintings--which seemed to be the general assumption--and most likely make a good living but that would seem to be something of a waste I think. I also found the parent's need for control a little disturbing.
It was telling that there was a noticeable lack of any critical comment in the programme too.
Posted
I also have just watched it John and having never heard of him before I was enthralled with his work. Yes you are right will he develop from this point or will he have reached his potential.
He doesn't seem to have much of a life and his parents were as you say more than a little in control. In fact I had the naughty thought about a nice little earner and geese and golden eggs.
Maybe I am being uncharitable but when naughty teens kick in
he might want to kick over the traces .
His paintings are just lovely but there was a sameness about them. They did a comparison with Pablo Picasso who apparently had his first exhibition at the age of nine.
Picasso early work was incredibly accomplished and very traditional then he did go way off the beat with his later paintings. I guess this young person is one to watch and it should be interesting.
Posted
The public tend to lose interest with child prodigies once they get to adulthood, so he needs to make his money now and stash it away. Good luck to him, I say.
I saw a previous TV article about Kieron; there was a touch then of the parents seeing him as a meal ticket. Once he gets to 18 of course he'll be able to make decisions for himself.
Posted
Saw the earlier programme - not sure what good is being done by comparing him to Monet. It's just journalists' alliteration, and thus - meaningless. His work on the other hand isn't meaningless, and I hope he doesn't allow himself to be manipulated into doing the same thing all the time because it sells
Posted
Just watched the new one on Iplayer - it's just daft comparing him to Monet, the boy is nowhere near in style or execution, and at 14 who in God's name would expect him to be? He paints pictures that are somewhat reminiscent of Edward Seago (and that's quite good enough for me; I wish I could!), he's coming along at his own pace, and he seems to know exactly what he's doing - good luck to him. I see he's mentored by David Curtis - that's very sensible; he'll learn so much from him, not only about composition but also about the materials he's using.
People have wondered about the parents' degree of control - all I can say there is that I wish my parents had been as supportive as his are (which is not a criticism, mother: you weren't in a position to be - mother can be quite fierce even at 91, one has to be careful...). His dad needs a bit of a slap for wanting him to be a footballer, but never mind.... they're not living high on the hog on their son's earnings, most of which are put into trust for him. I'd have some concerns about his being privately educated - but on the other hand his work and regular school hours just aren't compatible (which maybe tells us something about education today....).
I think he's done well; and so has his family - let's hope all continues to go well for them and no one tries to force the pace.
Posted
I saw it too. Yes he is very good and I was amazed at how much people pay for his work but I'm thinking that the purchases will wear off the older he gets as there is so much competition out there. I thought his parents were too much, especially his mum, and had to smile when she said that she doesn't like the camera's around; I too thought there was a touch of "the goose who laid the golden egg". Even his sister seemed to be in on the business, making jewellery.
Ellen, I have an Autistic grand nephew who also has learning difficulties and yes, Kieran looked as if he definitely has an obsessive quality about him. However I wish him luck and hopes he continues to paint.
Posted
Have to agree with Marjorie (I was brought up to agree with Marjories as my mother was one!), I thought he seemed as well balanced and grounded as any early teen is likely to be. As for the art, what he is producing now is great for him and many professionals a good deal older. It will be interesting to see how he develops and whether he, or his market, tires of his current style as he gets older. His parents are in a difficult position regarding their involvement and support 'damned if they do and damned if they don't'.
Posted
Thanks Haidee-jo, I have now seen it. Kieron's time now will be getting tougher as he gets older and loses the "child prodigy" label. However, I really didn't think the parents were pushy, just very supportive of their son and yes, of course it pays their wages but if any of us had a young child with that earning potential from an early age, wouldn't we support them in any way we could. Kieron seems very well adjusted and intelligent, far more so than a lot of teens that age. To me an example of a pushy parent is one whose child is carted around to model agencies or, horror of horrors, tarted up and put on parade in beauty pageants.
Posted
I seriously doubt that he's on the autistic spectrum - having known quite a few who are, although I naturally give ground to one who has an autistic relative. I can well imagine getting up to paint the fog .... and I might be slightly oddly-adjusted by some standards, but am not autistic. I think.....
He seemed well-balanced, intelligent and sensible to me; if there are criticisms, I'd aim them at the programme; it treated the family as a bit of human-interest, rather than pursue anything to do with his art, and the title was correspondingly silly.
Posted
I remember Stephen Wilshere very well. I think he was taken on a helicopter ride across London and he was able to make very detailed drawings of the buildings - the Shard and Gherkin weren't built then. Maybe some of us are confusing "obsession" with "enthusiasm". I have seen quite a few artists happily painting in all weathers. Not many youngsters are fired up with such enthusiasm lately and I think it is great.
I'd like to think that if he did want to give up the painting at some later time then his parents would abide by his decision, but the way he talks about painting, I don't think that would happen.
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