ARVON WELLEN




CONSTRUCTIONS & SCULPTURE

Arvon has had a specific interest in polychrome sculpture since he was a student. He has an interest in African and medieval sculpture.

Since the sculpture of the Renaissance and in particular from the perspective of modern times we have become unaccustomed to polychrome sculpture, which is by definition sculpture that is either completely or the partially covered with pigment. It had been thought by both artists and dilettante that the pure white surfaces of marble or the polished surface of natural wood were how sculpture should appear due to a misconception that antique sculpture, when it was unearthed during archaeological excavations, had always been this way, lacking any surface colour and, as in Michelangelo's case, relying on form as a means of expression.

sculpture: November 2010

Head: polychrome lime wood, March 2011

sculpture: November 2010

construction: November 2010

Homage to JMW Turner
Acrylic on canvas with mixed media; August 2010; 65 x 86 cm

Arcadia; polychrome construction; November 2010;

36 cm x 33 cm

Sa Conca; polychrome construction; November 2010;

36 cm x 33cm

Non licet omnibus adire Corinthum: sculpture; polychrome wood; November 2010

There have been many influences on Arvon's work as far as pigment on three dimensional work is concerned. While colour was important there were many problems with its use on sculpture therefore it was not just sculpture but everyday objects that interested him. In the initial stages this was very much the idea of painted children's toys but it also included fabrics and other items to be found museums and in shops.

Spain provided as many questions as answers with Spanish polychrome sculpture. However, the three dimensional work of Miro and Picasso and Tapies has often been an important reference and stimulus.