Thomas Eggerer experiments with new ways of rendering space in his 2012 Yellow Harvest. The German painter eliminates many elements that appear in a typical landscape. He doesn’t include a horizon line or other identifying objects, such as trees, creating a confusing sense of space and scale. Broad, diagonal gray bands pull the viewer’s eye into the background, suggesting abstract roads and adding depth to the scene.
Eggerer adds figures who appear to be working hard in the vast space. They are engaged in a variety of activities, bending to pick whatever they are harvesting, carrying heavy bags, and resting. Sketched figures appear as well, juxtaposed with the more finished characters in the scene. Like the way he renders space, Eggerer only hints at the figures’ faces, adding delicate shadows to represent their facial features. He creates a narrative within this landscape but leaves unanswered questions about where the scene takes place and who the figures represent.
Each of the artists featured here uses his or her knowledge of art history and tradition to create works for the modern world. What genres can you explore and make your own?