This is Rob Gonsalves’ Still Waters, truly an impressive piece of art. It’s one of the most interesting styles I’ve seen, and it’s fascinating to look at.
I’ve always loved the unique visions of artists like Magritte and Escher, who seem to be able to easily twist reality and yet keep beauty intact. Gonsalves has certainly done that here, and the technique is described on sites featuring his work as “magic realism”. I think that’s a great tag for it, it’s art that is completely real if you are looking at either part separately, and as a whole is still seemingly connected despite it’s differences.
It’s impressive alone that an artist has such a good grasp of perspective, and of the “rules” that are taught in art. The most impressive thing here is that Gonsalves knows exactly what the rules are but where and how to twist them into a dual reality. It’s as if the two ideas in the picture have melded together, and where they meet or even end is anyone’s guess.
I think the palette he chooses here really helps the effect, and doesn’t detract from it. It’s a sharp, detailed look, but the colors are soft and engaging. By keeping the contrast a bit lower your eye isn’t drawn to any particular part, but the whole. The viewer can easily lose themselves in either reality, or even one of magic.
Gonsalves has created a masterwork, a piece comfortable in both it’s reality and fantasy. It’s what art is supposed to be: engaging, thought provoking and something that sticks with you for times to come.
Opinions?
Russ
ps – see more of Rob Gonsalves work at http://www.robgonsalves.com/ArtistGallery.asp?artist_id=23&category_id=2
