Fine artist Fintan Switzer has been leaving his studio and going outside recently to experience the fresh air and to explore what it’s like to paint walls. From Michaelangelo to the erotic wall painting of Pompei to the great Latin American muralists of the the last century like social realist David Alfaro Siqueiros and the firebrand Diego Riveira, we have been addressing issues of class and social station with paintings on walls for a very long time. With this in mind, Switzer has been creating his social themed realist oil portraits that appear to break free from the walls of Killarney in the south of Ireland.
Fintan Switzer (photo © Fintan Switzer)
Mr. Switzer talked briefly to BSA and explained his interest in “Silver Inheritance,” his most recent foray into the outdoors.
“Indoors you are confined to the dimensions of your canvas and your studio. Painting outdoors offers you the freedom to use the surroundings and merge your piece with the setting.
The title ‘Silver Inheritance’ is a play on the expression ‘born with a silver spoon’, I don’t know if the expression is used much in the States but it means to be born into a wealthy family. The character in the painting is working class, a labourer condemned to a life of hard work and low wages, living on the margins of society. His inheritance is his family’s social class, lifestyle and a future of unrelenting marginal existence”
Fintan Switzer (photo © Fintan Switzer)
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
Most viewers want to know, “How did he do that?” when looking at the medieval script arching and swerving through a splattering of stars or surrounding a black hole. Niels "Shoe" Meulman continues t...
The unreality TV version of the US political race is simplifying and degrading the discussions that candidates are having during this election cycle. If you ask the Republican frontrunner what the rac...
Blek Le Rat arrived at the Urban Nation office today with his wife Sybille after a long car ride from Paris, ready for a coffee and possibly to take a look at the wall he’ll be painting here to cele...
Our weekly focus on the moving image and art in the streets. And other oddities. Now screening : 1. From the Archives: Keith Haring2. Friday Night, August 14th - From Funkadelic3. One Thousan...
Saturday! Time to go out for a walk around the neighborhood to stretch your legs, say hello to old friends, and to look for some new ones. Along with the blooming Magnolia, Dogwood and Wisteria in th...