Lowry's Matchstick Men, an Evocation of the UK's Industrial Past
posted on 19 February 2011 | posted in
Arts and Entertainment
L.S. Lowry is a 20th Century English artist with a unique and distinctive style that totally evokes the drudge of Salford's industrial past. His backdrop of brooding, large brick warehouses, grey skies and smoking chimney stacks convey the grime of everyday life for the working man. His people are oddly formed and often called "matchstick men" they rush about in the foreground, caught up in their thoughts and emotions. His industrial paintings are busy, brooding and dirty, they make the viewer thankful that he is no longer caught up in such a world.
A contemporary artist that I admire - and think has striking similarities to Lowry in that he is commenting on everyday life - is none other than our graffiti friend, Banksy. I have collected a number of Banksy prints and permitted my walls to be covered in graffiti (via canvas art prints at least!) - social commentary through art is what I call it.
| |
|
|