John Currin's Grotesque Mastery: A 2002 Survey
A 2002 article in artpress examines John Currin's paintings, which blend references from Pontormo to Gustave Courbet, Hans Baldung Grien to John Singer Sargent, with nods to American illustrators. His grotesque figures draw from maternal imagery and adolescent fantasy parodies, achieving a first-rate pathetic caricature. The review argues that Currin's work transcends mannerist jokes or kitsch, revealing fissures in both aesthetic and social conventions.
Key facts
- John Currin's paintings reference Pontormo, Gustave Courbet, Hans Baldung Grien, John Singer Sargent, and American illustrators.
- His grotesque figures are based on maternal imagery and adolescent fantasy parodies.
- The article describes his art as first-rate pathetic caricature.
- Currin's work is not merely mannerist jokes or kitsch.
- The paintings expose flaws in aesthetic and social conventions.
- The article was published in artpress in June 2002.
- The title of the article is 'John Currin, Fecit/Anno Domini 2002'.
- A PDF of the article is available for download.
Entities
Artists
- John Currin
- Pontormo
- Gustave Courbet
- Hans Baldung Grien
- John Singer Sargent
Institutions
- artpress
Sources
- artpress —