CURRIN’S APP

by Kate Dell’Aquila

Technology is changing the art scene substantially. With art galleries using ipad’s to showcase moving images of years-old paintings, lighting and sound stimulants to enhance images and videos about artists and their processes; technology is revealing a side of art that has never been seen before. The latest in this art/technological movement is the Gagosian Gallery’s iPad application, available on iTunes. The application provides information on upcoming events and workshops as well as features images of past and present exhibitions.

The first version of the app showcases a series of artists like John Chamberlain, Vera Lutter, Kasimir Malevich, Pablo Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg and Richard Prince. As well as one of treats! all time favorites John Currin.

Based in New York, most of Currin’s work is only available for viewing in Manhattan but the Gagosian application allows those of us who live outside the Big Apple, to view the gallery’s collection of Currin’s work – a huge treat!

For those unfamiliar with John Currin’s paintings it would be an understatement to say his work has caused a stir. Drawing upon a range of cultural and historical influences, from Renaissance painting to women’s magazines along with Playboy, Currin has carved a niche for himself. Blending the more traditional style and technical skill of Renaissance art with provocative, sexual and social themes Currin’s work unashamedly evokes a strange and interesting dynamic.

Currin grew up in Connecticut where the renowned and traditionally trained artist, Lev Meshberg tutored Currin privately. Here, Currin learned the skill and technical knowledge required to paint. In 1984 Currin completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg and went on to gain a Master of Fine Arts from Yale in 1986.

Often depicting unflattering images of women, men, and asexual divorce`s in sensual and provocative poses, Currin’s work produces a binary between the kitsch figures in his work and their obvious sexuality.

In 1992 Currin produced an exhibition that focused un-sympathetically on well-to-do middle-aged women. His critics accused him of sexism and while Currin did not deny his accusers he did say he felt at that time he produced the controversial paintings, “[he] didn’t feel like a man and [he] didn’t feel like a woman.” Despite his critics, Currin has continued to produce figure paintings that deal with pornographic themes, somehow though, Currin’s work seems to delve deeper than the aesthetic face value often applied to his work.

It is no surprise that treats! is just a little bit excited about the Currin/Gagosian ipad venture that allows you to view his work, read his biography and find out about his latest exhibition.

So, to explore Currin’s work (without leaving the comfort of your home,) download the Gagosian app, free of charge, from iTunes.