Plate 3

(57) Javier BAEZ BONORAT- Vesuvius in Sepia

About this Artwork

‘Vesuvius in Sepia’ is dominated by splashes of sepia, in attempt to imply a gloomy, frightening scene instantly. The gesso base provides a layer of chaos, nurturing the dramatic scene that I want the viewer to experience. The sepia and gesso work together as they creep into the sky, interrupting its natural blue state, in another attempt to emphasise this dismal scene. The simply drawn bright steam rising from the crater contrasts the entire scene. This was with the intention to create a state of play amongst the heaviness. Like the state of nature, the scene is strong and powerful but surprises us with a glimpse of gentleness and bounce. This quality of nature is something we often don’t question as it seems to render a sense of balance, which was similarly my intention in this artwork. I wanted to create a simple artwork, that’s easy on the eye so to avoid any cognitive overload, yet still communicate a layered chaotic, dark and hazy scene

About Javier

Growing up in Mexico, I absorbed the warm and earthy colours found in the works of Mexican artists such as Rufino Tamayo and Francisco Corzas to name a few. Their influence is buried deep within layers of my paint.

For the past 20 years that I have lived in Australia, aspects of the Australian landscape remind me of Mexico. The contrasting but complementary qualities of these embraced landscapes is reflected in my work.

When painting I explore the tensions within the trinity of colour, form and texture. When I begin a painting, I approach this exploration of tension as though I have never attempted it before. This allows me to abandon learned formulas, and question any comfortable approach I have acquired through previous artistic practice. My attempts aren’t always successful, but they are honest. The basis of my work derives from that constant effort to break old methods and create new ones.

Link to Javier’s Art Aviso profile HERE

Javier was provided the following page from Newnes’ Pictorial Knowledge Encyclopedia:

Volume 1
Where the earths story is written
The Volcano that buried Pompeii