Moments

In Time

STILL LIFE TALKING

What these paintings have in common is my obsessive listenings to Pat Metheny’s 1987 album, Still Life Talking; setting a mood filled with Brazilian-influenced harmonies and rhythm, jazz, folk, and pop elements; kind of like a peaceful journey across the Arizona desert. 

Personally, true art is soothing and comforting. Your soul fills with a sense of order and harmony. Arrogance, indignation and judgment all dissipate in the presence of humility to reveal but love.

Yet, as art is reconciliatory, it’s also a tool of expression, oppression, opinion, propaganda, and what may. For example, Russian Constructivists, Modernists and Bauhaus designers used their styles magnificently to communicate and propagate messages throughout WW1 and on through the 1940’s. During WW2, comics were created to reassure Americans of America’s military superiority and powerful intervention, as well as creating Super Heroes that would save the day and bring the boys back home.

Although the use of art to propagate information can be politically, religiously, or socially justified, it remains that its motive, its very essence, is propaganda serving self-interest. Nothing wrong with that. But, it’s a long stretch from Gogol’s view that art reconciles us with life, restoring order and harmony to the soul.

Personally, art as in nature, can sometimes bring me to my knees in awe and feel serenity; not unlike one contemplating the setting sun. Total bliss.

All images © 2023 Rodolphe Charpentier. All Rights Reserved