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Artist: Joseph Minton Joseph Minton is a modern expressionism artist who is best known for his works "Inside", "Resurrection" and series of paintings titled "The Drunk". Minton’s roots are based in German Expression and Abstract art showing a definite similarity to the works of the expressionist artists Edvard Munch and Georges Rouault. Minton became most recognized for his unique style of modern expressionist art by incorporating a vivid mixture of emphasized emotion, abstract color and the human form. He combines these items to bring to life the dramatic trials of the modern social environment. His artistic career spans from his adolescence to adult life and he has his works on display to show the progression of his life through his paintings. Perhaps the best way to sum up the style of the artist is through his own words "True art has an entity of its own, it is alive, and has the ability to speak, effect and convey emotions to it's viewer. I consider my art to be an extension of myself."
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The Drunk 2 - 2001 - Oil on Canvas "The Drunk #2" another painting by Joseph Minton addresses the issue of alcoholism and the toll that it takes on man. It emphasizes the bitter depression of a man who has turned to alcohol for temporary relief from his relentless sorrow. As is common with many of his works he utilizes strong contrasts of abstract color to depict emotion. The black despondent eyes of the man sitting at the table mirrors the color of the shadow of death that has wrapped its arm around the neck of the man. The man sits exposed and fragile as he longs for any form of permanent relief and allows death to embrace him while putting up no struggle. As is typical with expressionist works the artist dives deeply into some of mankind’s darkest emotions. |
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"Inside" is a large scale work of art painted with oils on plaster and canvas. This is one of Minton's most striking and memorable works. The painting is a complicated construct of faces (some subtle and others blatant) all depicting different degrees of emotion. In this work the artist attempts to show the complexity of the human psyche and the extreme degree of internal emotions that we all must contain as we do our best to stay within the lines that society has drawn for us. The figure is truly a tormented soul but you can make out a subtle halo around the top of the figures head which shows his determination to do what is right despite the pain he has endured. The arms of the figure are also of great importance. One of them is extended, reaching out, begging for help while the other is retracted and rigid in an attempted to keep his emotions contained and show his distress. |
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More information on Joseph Minton is available at www.mintongallery.com
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Home Page
- Edvard Munch -
Georges Rouault -
Joseph Minton - Moin Shah - Emil Nolde -
Egon Schiele |
Inside
- 1998 - Oil on Canvas and Plaster