Pretty Pictures
39th Yearly Game
I don’t know much about Mark Keller Barnes except for the fact that when he died, he left behind a portfolio of paintings that I really appreciate. Unlike the scores of urban hipsters consumed with replicating the naive hand, Barnes’ work contains a sense of honesty that allows the colors, texture and blunt simplicity of his images to stand out above any personal intention. Everyone hopes to leave something of themselves behind to mark their journey. If only by way my personal enjoyment, M. Barnes achieved his goal.
“39th Yearly Game”
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That gorilla looks like i felt in L.A. Primitive, looking around at all the pretty buildings, and wondering where the fuck I am at. Goddamnit, I just don’t belong there do i?
this looks like middle school art.
garbage.
Joe,
There is a primitive quality to the work, which is what I find appealing. However, considering that the amount of work I found, the range of dates (more than a decade), and the scale of the pieces, it suggests that this was not “middle school art” as you commented, but rather the work of an untrained artist.
I personally am unimpressed by technical skill, and feel that most work that comes from this type of training completely lacks in perspective, emotion and ultimately inspiration. But then again, who really cares. I collect and write about the art that I enjoy. I suggest you do the same.