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abstract art, alternative art, Angel, artists, creativity, Edvard Munch, Emotions, lesley fletcher, paintings, ugly art
ADDENDUM – I was approached via email by Jenna at ARTSY.NET to aid in promoting Edvard Munch’s body of art. Since this blog post caught her eye (UGLY!! hardly, but certainly noteworthy and disturbing), She asked me to include some information for an upcoming and ongoing exhibit of his art ” Edvard Munch: Between the Clock and the Bed” .
It is my privilege to comply. If you click the link for artsy.net (above), it will lead you to all information needed to attended the exhibit. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is currently exhibiting Edvard Munch: Between the Clock and the Bed, which showcases Edvard Munch. This show will then travel to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in November. We would like to take this opportunity to promote his work. Our hope is that the timing of this outreach will effectively support both the museum and Edvard Munch.
“Our Edvard Munch page provides visitors with Munch’s bio, over 100 of his works, exclusive articles, and up-to-date Munch exhibition listings.”
This post was updated to reflect the new information On September 18/2017.
I titled it – ‘In Two to be Whole’ and popped it up on Facebook because I am one of the most daring people I know. I say that because when I posted it, I knew it was ugly. I knew it would repel some and I was okay with that.
Here is one reaction: “It really has a very stressful energy. I would burn it if it was mine.” … and I was okay with that too.
Why? Why would I post art that would be sure to generate negativity? Why would I not feel the sting of what was a stinging remark?
The reason is because I had done my job. I had transferred my emotions onto paper and elicited a stark reaction to my work. I had drawn out an emotional response even if it was not a compliment.
There are plenty of art works that have that effect on me. I am very relieved for instance that ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch was not lit afire and has managed to stay unlit since 1893! (smiles). I have other examples but I think this one says it best. It is riveting and disturbing, ugly and undeniably attractive at the same time. Here are the artists words as to describe his inspiration:
One evening I was walking along a path, the city was on one side and the fjord below. I felt tired and ill. I stopped and looked out over the fjord—the sun was setting, and the clouds turning blood red. I sensed a scream passing through nature; it seemed to me that I heard the scream. I painted this picture, painted the clouds as actual blood. The color shrieked. This became The Scream.
And here is the inspiration for ‘In Two to be Whole’
It was started that fateful Wednesday where our parliament (Canada) was attacked. One unarmed guard was murdered by a sick and twisted man. I was so tired of bad news and in such a terrible mood. I took it out on paper. The angel on the left is disheartened while the one on the right is outraged.
I haven’t painted since this piece only because for some reason my brain doesn’t seem to be able to write a book and work on art at the same time. But, let it be known, I was not discouraged – on the contrary, I was flattered. Weird right? When I do start painting again, I won’t be squashed by attempting to produce only art of common beauty in shades of pink and yellow sunsets. The outlet window needs to be wide open for me to enjoy the process, if not always the end result. Some days it is raw. Some days dark. Others celestial, but all hold emotions. All are the sum of all parts of those emotions at any given time. And I like it like that!
Do You have a particular piece of art that gives you chills, creates negativity or similar uncomfortable feelings … would love to hear from you.
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Lesley Fletcher is a writer (freelance, books, content, lyrics,stage plays) as well as a visual artist specializing in monoprints. To learn more about her please visit the tabs here on WordPress or her website at http://www.LesleyFletcher.com
Inspiration Import 
Picasso’ Guernica.
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Yes, great struggle comes to mind for me as well. Thanks Bruce.
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Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
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Ugly is as valid in art as beauty. In really comes down to creating an emotional response with the viewer. And it can’t always be positive feelings. As artists we are reacting to the world and its uglier sides as well as its positives – and we express both in our art. By the way I don’t think neither The Scream nor the In Two to be Whole are ugly, but certainly hit my nerve with unease.
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Thank you Otto. Your point of view is always welcome and spot on. I like the word ‘valid’ and ‘unease’.
I have been questioned on more than one occasion and I always feel as though the person is telling me to smile. To smile all the time represents a plastic mask to me. We are a collection of expressions. You in your photography, some in their writings and music and others on paper. Not every day is a sunny one 🙂 Smiling just the same. 🙂
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I didn’t see this on FB but my reaction is I see turmoil. The world is ugly with all the horrors that happen everyday to innocent people. I can feel the darkness and often relay them in my poems so I understand the place this art comes from. It’s your expression and it’s yours to share.
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Yes. Turmoil is the optimum word. I know your poems reflect the same. The frustration at not being able to do something substantial to make a difference to the darkness that feeds our souls despite the light we carry. It did provide an assault to the senses and cause a couple of people to take notice. Like I said. My job was done. Looking forward to reading your book. Will it be on Amazon any time soon? I won’t order the signed copy because I am in Montreal so it may cause a problem. Besides that I would like to be a verified buyer of the paperback so that I can leave a review. (thanks)
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The kindle version can be Pre-order on Amazon but it will be released tomorrow 8/14. I’m not sure if the paperback will be available tomorrow. But it will be soon. Createspace releases in shifts. I think you will like this I am very proud of it. My HS principal said at our graduation if we touch one person then we did our job. I never forgot those words. One heart, one soul, one mind at a time. Some of us are made for greatness the rest of us are only great in our small circles and honestly it is enough. Hugs my friend.
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To me, anyway, art is a means of communicating. It’s a language. If the artist uses that language effectively, that’s what matters. The message may be ugly, as you say. Or it simply may be something the viewer doesn’t want to ‘hear.’ But that doesn’t mean that that communication isn’t art.
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It the same with the written word, films, music. Yes, the arts evoke emotions and not always the creamy dreamy type. I saw your tweet and your question – Some people tend to talk about colours or technique or ask questions about materials. We are by and large a polite but slightly uncomfortable society. 🙂
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