top of page

Unit 3 - Contexts | Reflection about artist Clive Smith's artworks

Death, or the permanent termination of all biological functions that sustain a living being, is a phenomenon relative to the existence or survival of a living body. Various circumstances, including ageing, predation, malnutrition, disease, suffocation, suicide, homicide, starvation, dehydration, accidents, executions, allergies, drug overdoses, and injuries, may lead to death.

 

To me, death represents the final stage of life, but I am interested in how people around me perceive death and how individuals encounter a living body before death. I have experienced numerous incidents where individuals exhibited indifference and a lack of compassion towards victims of misfortune. Although these situations did not culminate in the death of the victim, they had a profound effect on the victim's psyche. Victims may wonder "Why me?" or question why others remain indifferent to their plight. Conversely, observers may adopt the view that the incident is not their problem, or that it simply does not matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I find Clive Smith's approach to creating novel avian breeds, blending the genetic makeup of birds with artistic essence, to be intriguing. His ability to correlate the patterns and colors of birds with the DNA of specific paintings is remarkable, revealing the interplay between brushstrokes and feathers. This exploration highlights how both plumage and artworks can evoke distinct emotions. It's particularly fascinating to me that these innovative bird breeds are documented in reference books, encapsulating comprehensive information and the original species' DNA. Furthermore, Clive's expansion of this breeding program to mammals and insects piques my interest in his evolving artistic pursuits.

What resonates with me is the shared affinity for nature and artistic expression through drawing and sketching, which Clive Smith and I have in common. As someone with a background in illustration, I've contemplated the relationship between illustrations and paintings. I've come to realize that the distinction between these two forms of art is less pronounced than initially perceived. The examination of an artist's manuscript continues to be a personal preference for me, as it provides valuable insights into the artist's creative intent and ideas, with each brushstroke within a manuscript serving as a poignant articulation of their artistic vision.

In the context of Clive Smith's artistic endeavours, I'm prompted to reflect on the contemporary practice of drawing. Much like the evolution of contemporary painting, the field of drawing has also undergone significant transformations in response to the complexities of the modern world. It's important to acknowledge that contemporary drawing is a multifaceted and evolving discipline, encompassing a wide range of techniques, approaches, and themes.

The exploration of Clive Smith's artistic journey and the dynamic realm of contemporary drawing offers a comprehensive perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of visual arts. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the importance of recognizing the multifaceted and dynamic nature of artistic expression in the present era.

IMG_0169.PNG
IMG_0170.PNG
IMG_0168.PNG
IMG_0171.PNG
IMG_0165.PNG
5470280_Miro-thrush-page-1-crop.jpg
5470288_Miro-Thrush-page-2-crop-1.jpg
5470296_Miro-Thrush-page-3-crop.jpg
1863520_Miro-thrush-crop-1.jpg

Miró Thrush (Turdus chiffres et constellations) 

Oil on found book, 17.1/4” x 13.5/8” Framed, 2019

Part of the leaf in "Reincarnation"

References:

(No date) Clive Smith studio. Available at: https://clivesmithstudio.com/speculative-birds--mammals-and-insects-on-books/view/716391/1/1863516/5470283 (Accessed: 22 October 2023). 

bottom of page