Through the ages: An exploration of Relational Warmth.
George Groves -painter and art curator.
Art has naturally evolved and transcended through the ages, serving as a constant reminder of humanity’s emotions, challenges, and triumphs. Amidst the vast range of themes that artists have explored, the concept of warmth has persistently been captured across cultures and epochs.
From the earliest cave paintings to the Renaissance masterpieces, artists have been captivated by the warmth emanating from the natural world. The golden hues of sunlight filtering through leaves, or the fiery glow of a sunset; these are just some conceptual portrayals of warmth. Artists have harnessed the power of warmth to evoke a sense of grounding, tranquillity, and connection to the world around us.
Most commonly, warmth has been linked to divinity and spirituality in paintings; particularly in religious art, depictions of heaven and religious figures often convey a sense of divine presence, as the very subject itself evokes warmth. Gold has been at the forefront of Christian painting and was used for the tradition of painting pagan divinities throughout the Mediterranean. The gold is said to represent the divine light, and it does just that in such a marvellous way.
The Romantic era of the 18th and 19th centuries saw a profound shift in artistic expression, placing a heightened emphasis on emotion, passion, and individualism. Artists like William Turner and Caspar David Friedrich used warm colours to convey the intensity of emotion, whether it be the fiery glow of a stormy sea or the warm hues of a distant sunset. The warmth in Romantic art serves as a conduit for the expression of human feelings, from the tumultuous to the serene.
As art moved into the 20th century, the exploration of warmth took on new dimensions. Modernist movements such as Cubism and Abstract Expressionism, sought to break away from traditional representation, challenging the norms. Warm colours were often juxtaposed with cool tones, creating dynamic contrasts that evoked tension and complexity. Artists like Mark Rothko, known for his grand colour-field paintings, used warmth as a carefully curated tool to elicit visceral emotional responses from the viewer.
Klimt, who led the 20th century exploration in the arts, was synonymous with his use of Gold. After apprenticing as a goldsmith in his father's workshop, the Austrian artist transitioned to painting, where the use of gold held profound personal meaning.
Employing gold leaf in his art, he achieved a unique impact by flattening the visual depth, reminiscent of the influence Japanese prints had on his creative inspiration.
In the contemporary art scene, the exploration of warmth has become increasingly diverse and multidimensional. Artists engage with the theme through a variety of mediums, from traditional painting to digital installations. Themes of human connection, empathy, and the warmth of shared experiences permeate the work, reflecting the intricacies of the modern world.
Across the rich tapestry of art history, the theme of warmth has endured as an eminent and versatile means of expression. From the awe-inspiring warmth of nature to the intimate warmth of human connection, artists have harnessed the emotive power of colour and symbolism to convey the richness of the human experience. As we look forward to these coming weeks, I will enrich myself with the art in the upcoming show at Emerald Gallery, aptly titled ‘Relational Warmth’, where I plan to converse with both viewers, and the artists themselves.
Join us from Saturday the 3rd of February, as we open the doors for the first exhibition of the year. We look forward to welcoming you to this collective exhibition and hope you explore the show and feel the warmth.
