Fantasy War Bird Painting 2013

Curator: This is Ken Kelly's "Fantasy War Bird Painting," created in 2013 using oil paints. What are your immediate thoughts? Editor: It's quite overwhelming. The density of figures, the almost baroque sense of drama… it’s visually arresting but leaves me searching for a focal point amidst the chaos. Curator: Kelly, known for his heroic fantasy illustrations often gracing book covers and album art, really leans into the genre's tropes here. Consider the context in which his work was created and consumed: How did fantasy art find such traction in specific segments of American and European popular culture, like heavy metal music and role-playing games? Editor: Absolutely. Looking at the composition, there's a clear hierarchy established, regardless of the multitude of figures. The hero, astride his fantastical beast, is positioned centrally, drawing the eye upward, while the women at the base offer a counterpoint, grounding the composition. There's a deliberate use of light and shadow to create depth. Curator: The labor involved in producing such detail across this oil painting points to the commitment of the artist to create within and promote this kind of fantasy world, and therefore gain income by producing objects and characters that a public wishes to posses, as this imagery gets translated into revenue streams for music companies, gaming firms and literature...it also provides the viewer with insight into archetypes within certain cultures. Editor: The contrast in textures and forms certainly adds to the painting's visual complexity. Consider the rendering of the dragon-like bird's scales versus the smoothness of the women’s skin. Also, consider the way he juxtaposes organic elements against more geometric, man-made forms like the plinth the women are placed on and the skull-laden column beside them, Curator: This work showcases how artistic traditions intersect with consumer culture. What kind of fantasy art are consumers after? How might erotic depictions as they appear within "Fantasy War Bird Painting," reflect societal values and expectations related to women in the culture sphere? It really calls upon us to investigate production methods that blend commerce and art. Editor: Ultimately, what strikes me most is the sheer artifice of it all. It's a constructed reality, carefully composed, with a symbolic weight, if at times heavy handed. Still, a compelling artifact for decoding narrative. Curator: A productive look into this fantasy battle scene!