Crossing 2017

Editor: This is "Crossing," a 2017 oil painting by Aaron Nagel. It has such a distinct presence; the linear elements in the background juxtapose against the realistic portrayal of the subject. What visual cues do you see here? Curator: Focusing on the formal aspects, I am drawn to the artist’s sophisticated use of line. Notice how the network of dark lines flattens the pictorial space. This immediately establishes a tension between illusionism and the painting’s surface. Editor: That's interesting, because the realism of the figure feels very traditional. Curator: Indeed, Nagel seems to deliberately play with contrasting artistic strategies. Consider how the tonal variations across the skin create volume and depth, whereas the flat linear design actively works against it. Also, observe the color palette: it's almost entirely cool blues and grays, lending a detached affect. Editor: The cool colors create an interesting mood. It is a little unsettling, don't you think? Curator: Precisely! By understanding the formal devices at work – the contrasting lines, color, and composition – we move beyond simply recognizing a portrait to appreciating Nagel’s calculated artistic decisions and intent. Editor: I can see how his calculated artistic decisions really give an unsettling but striking viewing experience. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! I was fascinated to consider how surface and depth were employed to communicate meaning in the painting.