Magic Realism
Hey Guys ! Today I would like to talk about an artist that I admire a lot. I've been in contact with Kevin Sloan to work on my personal study which most of it, is about him and his allegorical paintings. I feel like it has been a while since my last article so I wanna give you a good one to apologize ! I hope you will enjoy it !
Kevin Sloan
Who is Kevin Sloan ?
Kevin Sloan is an american artist using allegories in his work, he draws upon the diverse imagery acquired from his extensive travels around the world to create his unique "magic realism" paintings. Kevin Sloan's work is a deep concern and respect for our planet particularly its "silent inhabitants" - the animals and plants we share this world with. Through allegory and symbolism he expresses this concern and at the same time reminds viewers of the wonders in this extraordinary world.
Often lush, sometimes stark and theatrical, Kevin Sloan's "allegorical realism" paintings always ask more questions than they present answers. They aspire to start a conversation about our relationship with nature in this modern, technological and quickly changing era. The Review Magazine see his work "With such stealth, the impact proves that to conceptually intrigue the mind, an image must often formally comfort and soothe in order to relax the eyes while the meaning of the image sneaks in to caress the senses". Even if Kevin Sloan is a respected artist, it took him almost 20 years to be known.
One of my favorite paintings from him is the following one, I have made a little analysis about it of what it express for me :
The Burden Of Formality by Kevin Sloan
Kevin Sloan is an artist using "allegorical realism". Attempting to create a conversation about the delicate balance between modern society and ancient, natural process, Sloan’s paintings use an apparently complex and strategic imagery. The allegory of this painting is interpreted by the porcelain cups laid in balance on the parrot's back. It express the fragility of nature, how humans treat animals and nature in general. However, Kevin Sloan makes animals apparently behaving as if they were humans, this could also give an allegory which make the viewer guilty about the treatment we could give to nature.
I also had a great time interviewing Kevin Sloan by e-mail, which I would love to share with you :
How did you start to paint ?
K.S: I started painting in grade school and found I really like it and was fairly good. I was encouraged to take youth classes at the museum in the city where I grew up and from there received much more encouragement.
How did you decide to do this as a job ?
K.S: I made the commitment to pursue this as my job in college. I realized it was the one thing that made me feel better, I was relatively good at and despite the numerous obstacles to making a living, I would regret it if I didn’t at least try.
Was it hard to sell your paintings in the beginning ?
K.S: I went for years without selling any paintings and always had a job to support myself. Eventually I was able to sell something now and then. Later I found galleries willing to represent my work and then sales began to increase. Now, I’ve been supporting myself by the sales of my work for nearly 20 years.
What is your favorite artist ?
K.S: I love many artists however if I had to choose one it would be Titian.
Which is your favorite painting of the ones you made ?
K.S: My favorite paining tends to change from year to year however lately I’m very fond of this one:
Our Fragile Past, 48"x42'
What is the main idea that you express in your work ?
K.S: I try to portray the natural world, often represented by animals, as frail, delicate and vulnerable. The ongoing and increasing threats to the natural environment are of deep concerns to me and I try to point to these issues in my work. I do this through symbolism, metaphor and allegory.
What is an allegory for you ?
K.S: An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one so there is not an existing allegorical story I refer to. Rather, I try to create new ones which utilize contemporary imagery and themes.
How do you define Nature ?
K.S: In general, I would define Nature as that which is not man-made. However, the natural world does not need to be pristine for me to consider it “Nature”. In fact much of the natural world is intertwined with the man-made and this creates a new kind of Nature. But, overall I consider Nature to be that which exists before humans and our creations and continues despite our intrusions into nature.
To what existent is Nature a source of inspiration in your work ?
K.S: Nature is a primary source of inspiration for me. I try to always start at the more pristine, natural place - an animal, plant or environment and then address the man-made world that is interacting with it. Nature, versus the man-made always catches my attention first. I find the natural world to be astonishingly diverse, unexpected and rare so yes, it is a major inspiration for me.
What are your plans for your near future ?
K.S: In early March a major exhibit of my work will open at the Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs, CO, USA. I will exhibit approximately 24 paintings. There will be an accompanying exhibit of the works of John James Audubon - an artist I admire greatly. I also hope to teach a master painting class for 8 weeks at the Art Students League here in Denver starting mid-March.
That's the end of this article, I hope you liked it ! Don't forget to share it with your friends. My next article will be about one of my work because I feel like I don't talk a lot about it and it's a pleasure for me to share what I like the most with you !
(the interview was made in 2015)