“Traffic Jam,” Oil on Panel, 17.25″ x 13.75″ (43.8 x 34.9 cm), 2009
“Traffic Jam”, was an exercise in “Crappicism”. To those that assume that this is because a “crapper” figures prominently in the composition: No! You are wrong! That is merely coincidental. It is “crappicism” because I conscientiously strove to make this painting “crappy” in style. To those who reply: “Ah! Then Traffic Jam must be an allegory for the suffering of the constipated!” Wrong again! Know that I have long since left behind clogged bowels as a theme in my work. I have foregone constipation both in the content of and in the manner of production of my work. That is to say that in, “Traffic Jam”, there is no repression, nothing withheld in the composition, and also there is no interruption, no hesitation in the production.
OK. I will stop the mockery, and explain plainly what I really mean by “crappicism”:
“Crappicism” is an ideal of deliberate shoddiness in both the idea and the execution of the work. Of course it is a play on “classicism” – something I consider to be the stifling pursuit of unattainable ideals. Yet, the “classicist” urge towards perfection is in me, yet so ill-prepared am I to achieve anything that could be described as “classical”, that I have had to invent another and contradictory ideal, “crappicism.” “Crappicism” aspires to mindlessly churning out art work without concern for its quality, but rather emphasizes an expediency of expression above all else. Crappicism revels in the kitschy, crude, and crass. I have often speculated that if I could divest myself of standards of craftsmanship and meaning in my art work than I could flourish and win great fortune with my mediocre crap. It would be a triumph for “crappicism” – however, I think it is not to be. The urge to refine and perfect the work is too deeply ingrained, it poisons the my art with “classical” pretensions that spoil its chances for popular appeal.
So it is that “classicism” and “crappicism”, antipodes of aesthetic ideal , have conflicted within me as I have created this painting. Neither side wins – it is a stalemate, a “Traffic Jam”.
P.S: I am not going to mention “crappicism” again. There are enough silly “isms” in the world without pushing this one, and so, no, it is not a new label for my art.
Details from Traffic Jam Below:
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Part of the “Series I” limited edition prints:
“Series I” prints are made by the artist, the signed and numbered prints are limited to 100.
The print area of “Traffic Jam” measures 12.1″ v x 15.18 h” (30.5 x 46 cm). The original painting was executed in oil upon a panel and measures 17.25″ x 13.75″ (43.8 x 34.9 cm). The print is 88% of the original size.
For technical details of the print click here