 The Flats,
2019
.This series of
paintings is a study on industrial landscapes. It was inspired by
the Tremont location of the house from the movie A Christmas Story.
Just behind the house is the
Cleveland Steel Yard. The industrial
symbolism hidden behind the houses represents the monstrosity of
complex man-made systems, structures, and mental constructs that
lurk behind our attempt to obtain an idealistic life, and raise
ourselves above a state of nature. The factories provide jobs,
economic growth, and products while at the same time they scar and
pollute the Earth.
For me
these structures are more interesting and impressive than most
architecture because the architects were freed from conventions,
financial restrictions, and they weren't trying to create beautiful
objects.
The labyrinths of pipes and electrical cables make these
structures linear sculptures.
The rust and soot covered walls create variations of colors and
textures. The look of extreme flat colors was achieved by mixing paints in jars,
letting the oil float to the surface, and pouring the majority of
the oil off. When you remove most of the oil, light doesn't reflect
off the surface - creating the flat oxidized aesthetic you see on factories.
©
2019
John Chiappone |
