Sour Patch 2015

Here we see 'Sour Patch' by Camilla d'Errico, made in the 20th century with I'm guessing, a mix of inks and paints. The artist builds up colour in layers, with some of the underpainting showing through and the marks of the brush are really present, especially in the background, which gives the whole piece a lively feeling. The material aspects of this piece are really interesting. The textures are smooth, especially in the face and horn. But look closely and you can see pencil or ink lines that add definition, and maybe some mixed feelings. I mean, the colours are wild and vibrant and the eyes are huge, but the character's expression is wistful. And what about the yellow bug? Maybe there's a reference to psychedelia here? Overall, d'Errico's work reminds me a little of Mark Ryden, in the way that the colour palette and use of lines creates a sense of depth, but with a very different sensibility. Art's like a big conversation, isn't it? Always changing, never fixed.