Figurative Art: Outdated or More Relevant Than Ever?
Some argue that figurative art is “outdated,” “archaic,” or even “boring.” Comments like, “Why paint portraits over and over?” or “Another vase? Another lemon? We get it...” are often heard. These critiques usually come from people within the art establishment, who believe that art must always be “contemporary,” subversive, groundbreaking, and constantly defy conventions.
When the Pursuit of Innovation Becomes a Chase for Gimmicks
In recent years, I’ve noticed an interesting phenomenon: artists, in their desire to be “unique,” find themselves creating works that focus primarily on shocking or standing out artificially.
In many cases, these creations don’t stem from internal reflection or artistic truth but rather from an effort to impress the viewer—sometimes to the point of creating something that seems absurd or meaningless.
While this approach may earn the artist a few moments of attention, does it truly leave a mark?Does it genuinely reflect a personal or profound statement?
Artistic Style
In my opinion, an “artistic style” is not something you simply decide to adopt or consciously emulate.It emerges through extensive work, exploration, and eventually, it finds you.
In figurative art, it’s crucial to pay attention to several aspects: our way of observing, our intuition, the emotions we want to convey, the atmosphere we aim to create, and our unique perspective. Each person has a distinct way of seeing the world—whether it’s the shapes clouds form or the subtle shades perceived in a patch of color.
For me, the creative process begins with genuine observation and ends with personal expression on the canvas. It’s not about standing out forcibly but about finding an authentic way to share how I see the world.
Figurative Art
Figurative art, to me, is far more than a replication of reality.It’s an opportunity to slow down, observe, and experience the world on a deeper level. It invites the viewer to notice details that often pass us by: the interplay of light and shadow, the delicate textures of surfaces, or the ever-changing hues in nature.
It’s a tool that allows the artist to reflect their unique experience of the world. It’s not about creating a perfect copy of what we see but about exploring the essence, emotions, and connections between the viewer and the artwork.
When someone looks at a figurative painting, they are invited into the artist’s world—to experience the play of light and shadow, the subtle transitions between colors, and the layers of emotion that are hidden in every detail.
In Conclusion: Seek Meaning, Not Gimmicks
Figurative art connects us to fundamental principles of observation, emotion, and the human experience. There’s no need to chase gimmicks or strive to shock in order to create meaning. It’s enough to present your unique perspective—and do so with honesty.
A Question for Reflection
I invite you, whether as artists or viewers, to pause and ask yourselves:
When was the last time you truly observed something—not just saw it?
Great article, totally agree :)