Penumbra 2018

Joshua Flint’s “Penumbra” is an evocative image made with oil paint, a material prized for its capacity to capture light and atmosphere. The title itself refers to a partial shadow, an apt description of the dreamlike scene. Notice how Flint has embraced the fluidity of his medium to conjure a landscape seemingly suspended between reality and imagination. The texture of the paint, applied in soft, blended strokes, lends a hazy quality to the scene. Oil painting has a long and storied history, and is traditionally associated with the meticulous skills passed down through generations of artists. Yet, Flint disrupts this tradition by incorporating his own style, combining realism with surreal elements. This approach challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and other forms of creative expression. The dreamlike imagery offers a commentary on the perceived separation between humanity and nature, and the ways in which we try to contain the environment around us. Ultimately, understanding how "Penumbra" was made, and the broader art historical context from which it emerges, allows us to more fully appreciate its evocative power.