Artist Matthew Weir Creates Art that Forces A Painful Look Back
Jordan Sowunmi — July 23, 2011 — Lifestyle
References: alisonjacquesgallery & beautifuldecay
34-year-old London-based artist Matthew Weir is a skilled illustrator with a penchant for paintings that depict the peculiar institution of slavery.
As an artist, Matthew Weir has been working for the last 15 years, following the completion of his first degree at the Wimbledon School of Art. His work has been exhibited at art galleries across the world, including Berlin, Germany, Los Angeles, California, and the Netherlands.
Looking through his disturbing paintings, it's easy to see why his work has captured the attention of art curators around the world. Weir manages to deftly display the duality of the savage institution of slavery while contrasting it with the normal, slow-paced domesticity that characterized the lives of slaves in the American South. The most memorable (and jarring) image from Matthew Weir's collection shows an unsightly caricature of a slave biting into a decapitated white leg. The gruesome image is a prime example of an art piece that is hard to forget after viewing.
As an artist, Matthew Weir's best attribute is his ability to force the viewer to confront their own complicated feelings on the brutal topic. By illustrating the atrocities, warts and all, Weir brings us closer to a full-scale understanding and acceptance of the world's complicated history with the slave trade.
Implications - One of the most effective ways a company can draw attention to its brand is by featuring advertising that is unabashed in its aim to shock. By creating marketing that is deliberately shocking, the company shows a fearlessness in the spirit of the brand and entices consumers seeking a brand that bucks convention thinking and wisdom.
As an artist, Matthew Weir has been working for the last 15 years, following the completion of his first degree at the Wimbledon School of Art. His work has been exhibited at art galleries across the world, including Berlin, Germany, Los Angeles, California, and the Netherlands.
Looking through his disturbing paintings, it's easy to see why his work has captured the attention of art curators around the world. Weir manages to deftly display the duality of the savage institution of slavery while contrasting it with the normal, slow-paced domesticity that characterized the lives of slaves in the American South. The most memorable (and jarring) image from Matthew Weir's collection shows an unsightly caricature of a slave biting into a decapitated white leg. The gruesome image is a prime example of an art piece that is hard to forget after viewing.
As an artist, Matthew Weir's best attribute is his ability to force the viewer to confront their own complicated feelings on the brutal topic. By illustrating the atrocities, warts and all, Weir brings us closer to a full-scale understanding and acceptance of the world's complicated history with the slave trade.
Implications - One of the most effective ways a company can draw attention to its brand is by featuring advertising that is unabashed in its aim to shock. By creating marketing that is deliberately shocking, the company shows a fearlessness in the spirit of the brand and entices consumers seeking a brand that bucks convention thinking and wisdom.
Trend Themes
1. Shocking Advertising - Opportunity for companies to create marketing campaigns that aim to shock, showing a fearlessness that attracts consumers seeking unconventional brands.
2. Confronting History - Artists have an opportunity to explore and depict difficult topics, like slavery, to help society better understand and accept its complicated history.
3. Provocative Art - Artists can push boundaries and create thought-provoking artwork that challenges viewers' perceptions and sparks important conversations about sensitive subjects.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - Opportunity for advertising agencies to develop bold and provocative campaigns that capture consumer attention.
2. Art - Opportunity for artists to use their talent and creativity to depict challenging subjects, like Matthew Weir does with slavery.
3. Entertainment - Opportunity for filmmakers, writers, and performers to create thought-provoking content that explores difficult topics and sparks dialogue.
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