Material factor: How different surfaces influence the artistic expression

Our central concern in this post is: Investigation of the way different surfaces and materials influence the creative expression.

In addition to colors, shapes, composition and geometry, there are other factors that contribute to the effect of paintings, sculptures and installations. nature of the surface , which can have a subtle or obvious influence on the artistic result, is also

A coordinated approach is advisable in order to use each surface according to its specific features, be it a woven canvas, rough concrete walls, acrylic plates or structured artist paper. In other words, smooth surfaces represent an obstacle to the artistic urge to create the norm.

For this reason, the choice of the material sometimes make the decisive factor for whether the piece is rough, brittle, extravagant or incredibly tender. The consideration of a variety of textures is important in the creation of compositions and works that open up new expression options due to their special surface structure.

Properties of haptic surfaces

Works of art that are created on structured materials such as wood, metal or other unusual surfaces are causing the curiosity to the viewer. For example, this may be due to the fact that color areas have an unusual grit or that color gradients are in a non -typical way.

Sometimes working with such structures is under the sign of the innovative material experiments . For example, the interplay of rough and polished surfaces can give the brush stroke dynamics, while scratch -resistant surfaces enable a conscious game with broken lines and edges. Artists who do not primarily rely on the traditional canvas can benefit from this diverse and extensive field of experimentation.

The properties of these materials, be it rusted metal plates or sparkling plexiglass , have the potential to open up a completely new chapter. It is possible to achieve new effects that would not be possible on conventional paper or on ordinary canvas due to the monotonous feel of the classic material.

Characteristic color structures on a classic ground

Many of the painting techniques and artistic approaches developed in the course of history are based on the use of paper with different weights and surface structures. A clear example is the use of watercolor in painting. Watercolor -like paper typically has a granular texture that subtly influences the color flow.

When you edit rough paper, you can achieve a more pigmented surface. This is because the color pigments are deposited in the depressions and surveys of the paper. On the other hand, aqueous color mixtures run almost unhindered on satined paper, which leads to more transparent and lively transitions.

The nature of the painting ground not only affects the drying process , but also determines the shades of color that are visible in the finished product. This is precisely why the conventional painting ground offers an extraordinarily large variety of design options.

Sensory stimuli through tactile stimulation

One of the aspects that should not be overlooked is the ability to communicate messages not only through the sense of sight, but also via the sense of touch.

Due to their ability to challenge the touch of the touch, structures can be either sublime or fragility. In several contemporary art forms, collagen layers of material used, which are placed on top of each other so that they appear almost tangible when viewed.

Relief -like accents also contribute to the characteristic three -dimensionality of the work, which is rarely achieved in traditional paintings. In addition to wood and paper, textile fibers and plastic foils are also considered essential components of a composition. These tactile aspects not only shape the perception of art, but also help to ensure that the relationship between the artwork and the viewer becomes more intense.

From the material to emotional echo

If you dissolve from traditional genres, a universe opens in which color, shape and structure can establish an advantageous connection for all sides.

Subtle material combinations are of great advantage for abstract works , since the viewer's perspective when viewing abstract works is much more aligned with atmosphere and feeling . The use of contrasting layers of color on a rough canvas creates a dynamic and tense atmosphere, whereas the use of gentle color transitions on a material surface creates a peaceful effect.

In this context, abstract images be seen as a way to spiritual well -being, as they have a certain amount of depth. The conscious selection of materials makes it easier to channel feelings, which in turn gives the abstract representation a greater intensity.

Smooth surfaces as a challenge

When working with shiny surfaces such as glass , glazed porcelain or lacquered metal, some caution is required. Due to their reflective properties, it is possible to either highlight or mask the most subtle shades of color. The shift of the light rays with every small push creates surprising effects.

The comparison of lively motifs with strong mirrors 's background then creates a field of tension. Some painters even apply the paint very thinly when drying, which leads to the formation of crack patterns. The artistic process can therefore be influenced both positively and negatively by smooth material.

Environmental interactions

Another important aspect is the way the surfaces react to environmental influences. The way the material reacts to moisture, temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight can have a lasting impact on the work.

Surfaces that absorb moisture extends with increasing moisture and deforms when drying out. Metallic surfaces tend to rust under rough conditions, which can lead patina

If the natural processes of aging are specifically included in the overall concept, they also open up unexpected expressions. The fact that these interactions take place testifies to a lively dialogue between art and nature.

Ultimately, it is the nature of the surface that the work ultimately forms in a way that cannot be reproduced by any other component. The choice of the material and the surface quality compose an overall structure that plays an important role in the conveying of the message. There are also artists who create their works through extensive interactions with foreign raw materials. By combining the visual expression, each individual break and each fiber conveys its own narrative.

From this point of view, the material becomes the essential protagonist of the creative process.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/