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    RonPrice  80, Male, Canada - 60 entries
20
Feb 2012
4:03 AM AEST
   

de Kooning: A Retrospective

Five of the most famous, or infamous, paintings of Willem de Kooning (1904-1997)---the Woman series from 1950-1953 ---were at a large-scale retrospective exhibition which concluded last month. From 18 September 2011 to 9 January 2012 de Kooning: A Retrospective could be viewed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. That Dutch-American abstract-expressionist painted what people found, and still find, shocking, truly wild canvasses.

Woman I which had pride of place at the centre of one wall in the MoMA was flanked by two equally riotous canvases on either side. It had taken de Kooning over two years to complete Woman I. He kept putting it aside. It was only the urgings of American art historian Meyer Schapiro that kept him from destroying it. By the early 1950s de Kooning, some argue, was onto something so new even to himself that he had to make a number of similar paintings before he knew enough to know when Woman I qualified as a finished painting. This meant as much scratching into, rubbing out, scraping back, and starting over as it did applying oil paint in every conceivable manner and viscosity.

Woman with Bicycle (1952-1953), another painting at the retrospective is a monster of a painting with a formless piece of pure red pigment at the centre of the canvas. That mark gives the impression, say some critics, as if de Kooning had just about given-up on this new art form. Perhaps in the green square-shaped smudges and scrapes at the bottom of the painting de Kooning found himself, momentarily redeemed by the dialectic between form and anti-form, the simultaneous contrast between red and green.

Perhaps the paint became, for de Kooning, a way of pinning down this figure to the picture-plane, literally a base on which to anchor the figure. Perhaps, too, the doubling of the teeth, lined-up above the formless piece of pure red pigment, and the resulting alignment along the central axis of the painting, was de Kooning mocking the seemingly irrational results of his enterprise. Form and anti-form may just be, in the end, a prison-house for de Kooning’s pictorial logic.

“Talent is a crushing burden, a curse, to the artist who would be modern, experimental, original, free,” wrote Rochelle Gurstein who reviewed this retrospective for The New Republic this month. “I couldn’t help feeling there was something tragic in the historical development that de Kooning represented”1 Gurstein wrote. What pressure was de Kooning under, with episodes of redemption, only to return to what must have felt to him like some kind of torture? Gurstein asked rhetorically.

I had just started primary school at the time de Kooning did this work. My mother had just joined a new religion that had come into town, the Baha’i Faith; my father had got a job closer to the centre of town, a town in Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe. I knew nothing of de Kooning and abstract impressionism immersed as I was in the years of middle childhood according to human development psychologists.-Ron Price with thanks to 1Rochelle Gurstein, “Abstract Expressionism's Most Traditional Artist,” The New Republic, 2 February 2012---for much of the above.

What was his inspiration, his creativity,
his intensity, capacity-extraordinaire as
an action painter to make psychic event
happen apparently spontaneously on his
canvases just after history’s worst war?

Was de Kooning’s apparent aim synthesis
of tradition and modernism? Did that aim
grant him more flexibility within the Late
Cubist confines of its canon of design???

The dream of a grand style hovers over all
this: the dream of a clearly grand & heroic
mix. He went so far as to draw with his left
hand, with his eyes closed, watching TV &
trying to get away, so I’m told, from talent.

Is this the pathos of what it meant to be a
modern artist of the ‘50s generation, a time
when a new and thrilling motion seemed to
be permeating the world of existence little
did he or virtually anyone else even know
back then in days when rock-‘n-roll was
about to wake people up from the dream
of Mr. Clean & Doris Day, General Ike &
luxury without stress, & no Negroes, & no
genitalia: please, not at all, pretty please!!2

1 From essays on de Kooning by Harold Rosenberg and Clement Greenberg.
2 The Fifties: The Way We Really Were, D.T. Miller & M. Nowak, Doubleday & Co., NY, 1977, p.302.

Ron Price
19-2-12.
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    steve7876  36, Male, New York, USA - 26 entries
29
Nov 2025
1:55 PM PKT
   

How Canvas Art Works in Modern Farmhouse Interiors

Introduction

The modern farmhouse style is characterized by neutral color palettes, natural textures, and a combination of vintage and contemporary elements. While furniture, lighting, and textiles set the tone, wall art completes the look. Canvas prints are especially effective because they can convey both rustic charm and modern sophistication without overwhelming the space.

Whether you are redesigning your living room, dining area, or bedroom, incorporating canvas and prints is an effortless way to create focal points, highlight design themes, and reflect your personal style. Canvas Print Australia providers offer a wide range of designs, from pastoral landscapes to abstract compositions, making it easy to find artwork that complements your farmhouse aesthetic.

Why Canvas Prints Are Perfect for Modern Farmhouse Interiors

Modern farmhouse interiors focus on creating cozy, lived-in spaces that feel welcoming yet stylish. Canvas prints fit seamlessly into this design philosophy for several reasons:

1. Texture and Depth

Unlike framed prints or posters, canvas and prints offer a tactile quality that adds depth to a room. The woven texture of canvas absorbs light differently, giving the artwork a subtle, three-dimensional appearance. This makes the space feel more layered and inviting, which is a hallmark of modern farmhouse interiors.

2. Versatility in Design

Canvas art can adapt to a variety of styles, from rustic farm landscapes to modern abstract designs. Whether you prefer:

  • Botanical prints for a natural touch

  • Neutral-toned abstracts for a contemporary feel

  • Vintage farmhouse photography for nostalgia

Canvas prints allow homeowners to express creativity while maintaining cohesion in the space.

3. Easy to Display

One of the main advantages of canvas prints is their ease of installation. Many canvas artworks come stretched over wooden frames, making them ready to hang without additional framing. This simplicity aligns with the practical yet stylish ethos of modern farmhouse interiors.

Selecting the Right Canvas and Prints for Your Farmhouse

Choosing the right canvas and prints requires considering the room’s layout, color scheme, and the story you want your space to tell.

1. Matching Colors and Tones

Modern farmhouse interiors often feature soft, neutral tones such as beige, white, grey, and muted greens. Canvas prints with complementary colors can enhance this palette without overwhelming the room. For instance:

  • Earthy landscapes with brown and green hues

  • Soft watercolor abstracts in muted blues and pinks

  • Black and white photography for contrast

2. Size and Placement

Proper sizing and placement are essential for a cohesive look. Here are some practical tips:

  • Gallery walls: Combine several smaller canvas prints to create a focal wall above a sofa or console table.

  • Single statement pieces: Large canvas prints work well as standalone art above beds or mantels.

  • Vertical vs. horizontal orientation: Match the canvas orientation with furniture or architectural elements to maintain balance.

3. Thematic Consistency

The theme of your artwork should reflect the farmhouse aesthetic. Popular choices include:

  • Rustic barns, fields, and pastoral scenes

  • Vintage farmhouse tools or kitchen illustrations

  • Abstract interpretations of nature for a modern twist

Maintaining thematic consistency ensures the space feels intentional rather than cluttered.

Benefits of Canvas Prints in Australian Homes

For homeowners in Australia, sourcing high-quality Canvas Print Australia options has specific benefits:

1. Local Production and Quality

Many Australian suppliers create canvas prints locally, ensuring superior craftsmanship and durability. This means:

  • UV-resistant inks prevent fading in sunny interiors

  • Premium canvas materials offer long-lasting quality

  • Custom sizing options cater to unique wall spaces

2. Supporting Local Artisans

Purchasing Canvas Print Australia items supports local artists and businesses, contributing to the creative economy. Many Australian artists offer exclusive designs, giving your home a unique touch.

3. Tailored to Australian Aesthetics

Local artists often incorporate familiar landscapes, flora, and cultural references, making the art more relatable and harmonious with your home’s environment.

Styling Tips: Integrating Canvas Art into Modern Farmhouse Interiors

Proper styling is crucial to ensure your canvas and prints elevate your interior rather than clutter it.

1. Mix and Match Materials

Combine canvas with wooden frames, metal accents, or woven textures to complement the farmhouse aesthetic. For example:

  • A large canvas print above a reclaimed wood console table

  • Smaller canvases arranged around a mirror with a distressed frame

2. Consider Lighting

Lighting can dramatically impact how canvas art appears. Options include:

  • Track lighting to highlight gallery walls

  • Table lamps or sconces near smaller canvases

  • Natural light for a soft, welcoming glow

3. Layering Art

Layering multiple canvas prints at different heights adds dimension and visual interest. Pair artwork with shelves, greenery, or decorative objects for a curated, lived-in look.

4. Seasonal Rotation

Modern farmhouse interiors often embrace a cozy, seasonal vibe. Rotating canvas and prints seasonally keeps your d�cor fresh without extensive renovations. For instance:

  • Spring: Floral prints and soft pastel tones

  • Autumn: Warm landscapes and earthy hues

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best canvas art can fall short if styling is not considered carefully. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Overcrowding walls: Too many pieces can overwhelm a space and dilute the farmhouse charm.

  • Clashing colors: Ensure your canvas complements the existing color palette.

  • Ignoring scale: Small canvases on large walls may appear lost; large prints in small rooms can feel imposing.

  • Neglecting quality: Opt for durable, high-quality canvases rather than cheap prints that may warp or fade.

Conclusion

Canvas art is a versatile and stylish addition to modern farmhouse interiors, offering texture, personality, and visual harmony. By carefully selecting canvas and prints that complement your space, you can create inviting rooms that feel both modern and timeless. For Australian homeowners, Canvas Print Australia providers offer high-quality, locally crafted options that elevate any interior.

Whether you prefer large statement pieces or a gallery wall of curated artworks, incorporating canvas prints is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your home. Start exploring your options today, and let your walls reflect the warmth, style, and charm of modern farmhouse living.

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