Kurt Wenner
Street Artist, Illustrator, Painter,
Bad Mamajamma
By Jackson Richardson
About the Artist:
Kurt Wenner is an American artist who specializes in neo-classical
traditions--melding them with modern mediums and ideals. Wenn-
er first began his artistic career at the Rhode Island School of Desi-
gn and Art Center. After obtaining his degree Wenner began work-
ing for NASA as an advanced scientific space illustrator. After los-
ing interest for space illustrations, Wenner left NASA to pursue his
love of classical art in Italy. Wenner spent many years in Italy stud-
ying classical art, drawing sculptures, and mastering a classical ha-
nd. Wenner said, "My interest in Renaissance classicism started w-
ith the simple desire to draw well. I was stuck by the vast difference
between how students and teachers drew in the 20th century and t-
he way artists drew 500 years ago. It seemed to me that artists of t-
he past had abilities far beyond those of today. My curiosity about
this discrepancy took me to Rome in order to seek out and master
drawing and painting within the "language" of western classicism.
During this time I isolated myself from 20th century art in order to
explore the ideals and concepts practiced in earlier centuries. It h-
as since become an ongoing mission to rediscover classical tradi-
tions and communicate them to a contemporary audience."
Street Art:
Wenner was the main innovator behind anamorphic, perspective
art that revealed itself through his works of mastery. Wenner's w-
orks have been showcased in over 30 countries and he continues
to receive commissions from international clients. Wenner has a
book entitled Asphalt Pavement--and it talks of his ideals and re-
asons behind his pieces. Here are only a few examples of his 3D
street art illusions. Wenner has produced hundreds throughout h-
is career:
Drawings and Illustrations:
Paintings and Fine Art:
So, I guess you could say that Wenner is truly a Renaissance Man.
His works have gained international success, he has been active f-
or over 40 years in the artistic world and continues turning our pav-
ement into something beautifully rediscovered. I hope you enjoyed
the post and that if you as well enjoy street art--to get out there and
create something...the world is a free canvas:) I do chalk art as we-
ll and I am nowhere near the mastery talent of Wenner--and I may
never be--but hey we can try!!!
Peace McGarvins:D
First and foremost, seeing these works with copyright symbols with dates like 2007 and 2009, hell seeing works like these with any kind of copyrights is trippy! These look straight out of the Renaissance! Seeing works like these in the modern day is really a breath of fresh air since some other "modern artists" do overly simple, disgusting, or shock value ridden works just for the sake of being "unique" and noticed! This guy deserves the fame a credit for creating such detailed and beautiful works that seem to be lost in the modern day. Also, the use of chalk art is a brilliant way to merge the modern trend with his antique talent!
ReplyDeleteAlso nice plug at the end! Great Job!
It really is amazing how similar his style is to that of the Renaissance. I agree that it is so different from most of what is being created which makes it really unique. I've seen a lot of his street art before, which I find extremely interesting. It's crazy that he is able to utilize perspective that well to create the look of a 3D image on a flat ground surface.
ReplyDeleteIt's not common that artists are passionate about the Italian Renaissance. I think that is what interested me the most about Wenner's style. I can't believe that he can create such detailed street art. The fact that he is willing to spend hours on a chalk design knowing that it will eventually wash always tells me that he his favorite part about art is creating it. His work definitely emulates Renaissance style, but he does not copy Renaissance artists. There are differences between his art and their art which shows that he has developed his own style.
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