Adrian Fi

Painting remains as significant in contemporary art as in the past, despite differing opinions. Dismissing painting as outdated is analogous to deeming the piano irrelevant to music. By venerating the medium, artists can celebrate its process, elevate its qualities, and remind viewers that they are witnessing a creation.

Portraiture serves as a mode for exploring paint and the creative process. Paintings encompass both the depiction of the subject and the exploration of the painting process itself. This duality offers multiple perspectives: the subject matter and the commentary on the process embedded in the composition. Titles often hint at the interplay between these aspects, such as "The Crumbling Edge of Sanity," where Jack Torrance's portrayal reflects his deteriorating mental state while the painting itself grapples with its own existence as it fades into unpainted canvas.

Overemphasis on the image in painting neglects the medium's context and process. Artists must balance revealing the creation procedure with preserving the integrity of the artwork. Subtle techniques, such as visible brushstrokes or thick impasto, convey the artist's intent. More complex approaches may attempt to depict the "DNA" of the painting or expose its temporal layers.

Fine arts have lost prominence due to factors such as the waning of large-scale museum exhibitions and the proliferation of artists. Popular culture often dominates the attention of the masses, leaving intellectually demanding pursuits like art marginalized. By incorporating elements of popular culture into art, artists can engage viewers who identify with the subject matter while fostering an appreciation for broader cultural contexts. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between mainstream accessibility and intellectual stimulation, reaching individuals who crave both cultural enrichment and the stimulation of their habitual customs.