Gustav Klimt
In the fourth week, we were given the option of researching into artist Egon Schiele or Gustav Klimt, I decided to research into Gustav Klimt because I am more familiar with his work. His art has had an influence on media all around the world, the most recognisable for me would the numerous references of his work in the opening of Lynn Okamoto 'Elfen Lied'. The video below shows the opening from the tv show.
Just like I had mentioned prior on my Alphonse Mucha page, Klimt was also a part of the Art Nouveau period and produced amazing pieces during this period. An example in the second image in gallery below of Klimt's titled 'Hope'.
Austrian symbolist painter, Gustav Klimt, was known for his embedded allusions to sexuality and the human psyche in rich, lavish- decorated figures with patterns that cover his oil paintings. Some people best know Klimt as the artist behind 1907's 'The Kiss' (as shown on the right), one of his most successful pieces. 'The Kiss' was released during Klimt's 'Golden Period', in this period he painted with oil paintings and would later add golden and silver leaves, as years would go by this would become Klimt's signature style.
In 'The Kiss' we can see how Klimt used the technique of patterns to his advantage, he uses 'sharp' shapes, such as squares and rectangles, for the male and 'smooth' shapes for the female, circles and ovals. A lot of the time in art, curves and soft shapes are often associated with femininity and comfort, whereas sharp shapes are associated with masculinity and strength. However, we can see how the shapes have subtly crossed over together from the other person's pattern, perhaps this is symbolism for two people becoming one when in love.
Overall, I think Klimt is one of my favourite artists that we have looked at so far. I think this is because I am more familiar with his work than all the other artists' work that we've looked at; the vivid, mixed media environment surrounding the simplistic faces in his work creates a unique juxtaposition within each piece. Using the colour and materials of gold and silver creates a very 'royal' and 'lavish' atmosphere, giving the audience an almost overwhelming emotion when looking at his work.