Donovan Parran: capstone
Date
2019
Authors
Parran, Donovan, artist
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The artist's statement: The truth of life and the conscious experience are strange, mysterious, and inexplicable. The ways we interpret the world and universe are subjective. They are only abstract understandings of an unfathomable reality. My artistic style and conceptual themes are parallel to my perspective and approach to life. My paintings unravel over the course of random and impulsive "streams of conscience" in a similar way to how the future is unpredictable. Plans in life can often go awry. Therefore, I usually avoid planning things thoroughly or bypass the process altogether. Sometimes it is liberating to accept the uncertainty of the future. Just as there are no discernible answers in life, there are no discernible answers in art. My wish is for viewers to know that my paintings are meant for individual interpretation. Although I sometimes integrate loose connotations, the content is usually abstract enough that the theme is unknown to the viewer. My paintings address the idea that our reality coexists with something that is imperceptible. This force, which we can only describe with an abstract understanding, is depicted in my paintings with abstract forms and gestures. I use these qualities to render three-dimensional space and surreal imagery. I incorporate representational motifs such as mountains, clouds, or figures to express the idea of coexisting realities. Although my paintings consist of abstract elements, the art itself is not abstract but rather surreal. It is surreal in the sense that it alludes to a figment-reality, which is ultimately my interpretation of life: I know little about what is really happening and I am powerless. The best way for me to convey something indescribable is with compositions of non-descriptive forms and gestures. There is no control over the unpredictable and wild journey that life is. It is a journey with no discernible meaning and ending with one fate. Therefore I find it necessary to use art as a record of my experience.
Description
Colorado State University Art and Art History Department capstone project.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
Rights Access
Subject
painting