Page 161 - YGARTUA : The Work Of A Genius

CONTEMPORARY NATURALISM
CANADIANA: THE MAJESTIC BEAUTY OF THE RAINFOREST
Naturalism in contemporary fine art is a style of representational
art that attempts to accurately depict the physical features of a
scene or subject in a lifelike manner. It is often heavily influenced by
photography, which has allowed it to become a popular form of art.
Paul Ygartua’s works are characterized by a modernist approach to
naturalism. His paintings are characterized by a highly realistic and
detailed approach to depicting everyday scenes and people.
“I have worked in many different mediums and styles, exploring the
varied landscape of Canada. The magnificent wilderness regions
have a dramatic impact on all artists. I want to express myself in a
new style, approaching the subject with bold emotion, reflecting a
majestic landscape which has captivated artists since Emily Carr and
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the Group of Seven. I believe the power of the subject, the boldness
and vastness of the scenery lends to the large bold strokes of color,
plentiful palette strokes capturing the essential feeling of the power
of nature - the mountains, water and trees. The offering of nature in
her natural beauty with a diversity of a tremendous variety of forest,
with a multitude of different species where nature opens the door
on the natural world. When the winter season embraces Whistler,
like magic, she gracefully reveals her majestic mountains, adorned
in scenic grandeur, elegantly set against the blue horizon.”
Naturalism often features detailed and realistic depictions of
everyday life. Other contemporary artists who practice naturalistic
approaches to art-making include Richard Diebenkorn, David
Hockney, Peter Doig, William Kentridge, Julie Mehretu. Ygartua’s
work has been exhibited widely throughout Canada and Europe.*