Pin ItArtist Calls
Artist Calls
Curves & Lines
Artist Calls Accepted Artists
Artist Donald Keefe
Bakersfield, California USA
The Inauspicious Present 1
Acrylic, Charcoal and Graphite
Artist Statement
My current artwork explores the sense of foreboding for the future that exists within the malaise of contemporary culture. Inspired by the tower of Babel story, and informed by history and current events, this work seeks to relate the present to the past, with the intent of pointing toward a, yet to come, universal decay. The work presents a sublime critique of the hubris and a circular theory of history, as often portrayed by many of my favorite romantic era painters.
In the most recent works, the natural color of the unprimed canvas acts as the light within the drawing and the raw canvas records every stain and mark. Working on this surface is similar to executing a water color painting in that the lights must be defined in advance because once the canvas is soiled, it is impossible to reclaim the light. In this way, the method in which these works are created demonstrates the obfuscation of history and the decay of absolutes that accompanies the post-modern condition. Furthermore, by creating large drawings on canvas, I expose my own artistic uncertainties about painting and drawing. Conceptually, the works are dire, but there are moments that it is evident that I am striving to find hope in the wreckage. Hope to alter the course of the present, and hope in a future that will transcend the failures of today.
The views expressed by our artists in their artist statements do not necessarily represent the views of our art galleries. Artists can be visually expressive but may verbally misrepresent their true intentions or ideas. Please note that we support expression, whether it is controversial or not, but our intention is never to offend.
Artist Calls
If you are passionate about art collecting and would like to buy this beautiful artwork, give our Los Angeles art galleries a call. Our art gallery is a wonderful place for art collectors.
Our owner and curator is Linnea Lenkus, who also owns two photo studios in Los Angeles and has a passion for high quality art. This is why she has art gallery in Pasadena.