Art Appreciation: Isolation, artists and paintings

We all feel lonely sometimes and, on occasions, want to be alone. These two aspects of isolation have influenced many artists: some have sought solitude, while others have suffered the loneliness of “not fitting in” with those around them, because of failed relationships, illness, or even urban living. Those choosing solitude want to explore both themselves and the nature of the world around them free from distraction, while those who suffer loneliness may use painting as a form of therapy. Solitude has been the theme of many paintings, including those of saints and others who sought “wilderness”. Some paintings portray lone figures in a landscape, encouraging us to ponder their feelings of isolation. Other works show social groups where some individuals do not fit in - and artists then challenge us to ask “why?”. Roger will examine the works of many artists and will end by looking at paintings of the Crucifixion of Christ, considered by many to be the ultimate expression of isolation. Among the artists we shall discuss are Vincent Van Gogh, Stanley Spencer, Gwen John, Edward Hopper, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, George Inness, Paul Cezanne, Edvard Munch, Georgia O’Keefe, Caspar David Friedrich and Harald Sohlberg.