Viv Owen
Artist Bio
Vivid freehand oil paintings depict expressive faces captured from mass media, reminiscent of the twitching dazzle of paused TV screens. Domestic in scale, but far from homely, they hint at enigmatic narratives and relationships: alluring or confrontational, fascinating and evocative.
Artwork
Name: CloseVivid freehand oil paintings depict expressive faces from mass media, like the twitching dazzle of paused TV screens. Domestic in scale but unsettling, they suggest enigmatic narratives—sometimes alluring, sometimes confrontational. Close: a period’s end or intimate moment? The image leaves it open, yet we all hope for a happy ending.
The painting/cutout is based on a photo from the 1930s when constructing skyscrapers became a strong drive, and the competition to build the world’s tallest building was fierce. I used this image as a symbol of human desire. I replaced the ridiculous-looking hats in the photo with more recent tall buildings, indicating ongoing development and devastation to our environment, using a lone frog to represent nature.
Medium: Mixed Media/Cutout on board (framed)
Size: 66cm x 86cm framed, (60cm x 80cm unframed)
Year: 2024