Realism

For an uncertain period of time, we humans walk through life in a suit of skin.  However, our existance is also comprised of an inner life as well. Much time and thought has been spent determining just what that is. The form of expression called Realism allows for me an elastic means to explore this equation.

Whatever this inner life is to us, the ability to transcribe it outwardly through representational painting, has preoccupied western man within a spiritual, psychological, social, political, and aesthetic framework. The mature principles of Realism have endured and expanded over the last five hundred years because the artists practicing them have been able to find the necessary metaphors through which the world - externally, could be made comprehensible; resulting in a personal vision of a constantly changing global culture and society, of which we are all influenced greatly.

In my opinion, post modernism, through numerous mutations, has lost the ability to do this effectively. This may also account for a sustaining interest in Realism today.

The following works are on display at the Chase Exhibition Room, Public Archives Halifax, NS

Steven Rhude Wolfville, NS

The Beekeper, oil on canvas, 62"x 40", Steven Rhude


Study for Beekeeper, graphite on paper, 14"x13", Steven Rhude



The Museum Today, oil on canvas, 36"x 60", Steven Rhude



Rescue, Hound of the Cavale, oil on canvas, 40"x 90", Steven Rhude



1992 - Night Before a Hurricane, oil on board, 22"x 38", Steven Rhude



Portrait of Lucy Publicover, graphite on paper, 9.75" x 14", Steven rhude



Boy and Hay Bale - Learning to Leave, oil on canvas, 27"x 37", Steven Rhude




Falling Boat, oil on canvas, 54"x  14", Steven Rhude



Soup, graphite on paper, 14"x 21", Steven Rhude



The Huguenot, graphite on paper, 10.5"x 14", Steven Rhude



Boy with Buoy, oil on canvas, 44"x 40", Steven Rhude



Pig, - The Civilizer, graphite on paper, 7"x 10.5", Steven Rhude



Devil's Island Light in the Rothko Chapel, oil on canvas, 24"x  30", Steven Rhude

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