The strange case of Stanley Spencer

Stanley Spencer, picture him. Firm believer in god. Fervent churchgoer. Most of his paintings were biblical representations staged in his own small town in the english countryside (his neighbours posing as models). An yet, he also made paintings like this one, showing us his fears and obsessions. Showing us inside the painter with outmost sincerity. With complete disregard to what other people may think of him (such a fervert catholic). Without worries about stile or proportions (he was able to make startling realistic paintings when he wanted, specially his portraits). And this is after all what art is about, sincerity. To be able to expose oneself as one is, to get your spirit naked, without filters, with bravery. Thank you mister Spencer, wherever you are.

Why is this painting so fascinating?

Ahh Homer Winslow, the great american. His greatness is out of the question here. But this particular painting of his, called ‘On the cliffs’ (AKA ‘where are the ships’) is a mistery to me. Such strange composition, 3 figures together in the upper center, the lower alf rocks. This is a very strange arrangement of elements. Almost no emphasis on the background, and only a hint of blue to tell us that this is happening by the sea. An yet such a powerfull effect on me. Such fascination I am unable to explain.

Robert Henri

Each genius differs only from the mass in that he has found freedom for his greatness; the greatness is everywhere, in every man, in every child. What our civilization is busy doing, mainly, is smothering greatness. It is a strange anomaly; we destroy what we love and we reverence what we destroy. The genius who is great enough to cut through our restraint wins our applause; yet if we have our own way we restrain him.

The blue rider

This painting has been haunting me for  some time. The early Kandinsky before he went into complete abstraction.