In the ever-evolving landscape of art, textured art emerges as a compelling combination of touch, sight and emotion. This style and technique of art transcends the traditional two-dimensional canvas, inviting viewers into a tactile world where art can be experienced through more senses than sight alone. This article aims to unravel the intricate layers of textured art, exploring its roots, techniques, notable artists and the emotional and psychological effects on audiences.
The History of Textured Art:
Textured art, whilst seemingly modern, has roots that trace back to ancient times. Early civilisations used relief work on walls and pottery, adding layers and dimensions to tell stories and depict everyday life. With the emergence of the Renaissance, artists like Leonardo da Vinci experimented with impasto, a technique involving the application of thick layers of paint to create texture and depth. However, it wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that textured art began to take shape as we know it today, with artists breaking away from the confines of traditional methods to explore and experiment with new materials and techniques.
The advent of textured art as a recognised form can be attributed to the many of the Abstract Expressionists of the mid-20th century. The artists of this movement moved away detailed figurative work, focusing instead on the emotion and expression of the artist in the work, often through the use of heavy, textured layers of paint. This period marked a significant shift, where the emphasis was no longer placed on the subject and instead on the materiality and act of creating.
The Building Blocks of Texture:
Textured art is a testament to the innovation of artists who manipulate materials to create tactile experiences for their viewers. The techniques that these artists use vary widely, but include and are not limited to impasto, collage, assemblage and the incorporation of non-traditional materials such as fabric, metal, wood and found objects. Nowadays this has been expanded to include more contemporary and digital techniques such as creating virtual textures that almost seem to mimic the sensation of touch.
Another key aspect of textured art is the relationship artists often give between the materials they choose and the meaning behind the work. By adding a symbolic weight to the artwork’s material, the artist adds layers of interpretation to the work, beyond that which you see at first glance. For example, artist Anselm Kiefer utilises straw, ash and clay, not only to create a rugged and tactile surface, but to also invoke the themes of decay, memory and rebirth.
Artists who utilise Texture and their Impact:
Alberto Burri (1915 – 1995), an Italian painter and sculptor, rejected conventional artistic materials and instead turned to objects such as burlap, tar and pumice, transforming the everyday and mundane into heavily symbolic works of art. His use of burlap explored the themes of decay, transformation and regeneration, attempting to echo the devastation of post-World War II Italy and humanity’s capacity for resilience. Burri would often manipulate these materials through the processes of burning, sewing and patching, transforming them from mere objects to artworks of textured, tactile surfaces that communicate the scars of history and the human condition. His pioneering efforts not only expanded the boundaries of art materials but also demonstrated how texture could be a powerful conduit for emotional and historical resonance.
Eva Hesse (1936 – 1970) brought a spirit of innovation and texture to the realm of postminimalism, a movement characterised by its departure from the impersonal characters of minimalism, and moved towards more expressive and organic forms. Hesse often experimented with non-traditional materials such as latex, fiberglass and plastic, blurring the lines between sculpture and painting with her work. Her art is distinguished by its emphasis on process and materiality, often embodying a sense of fragility, impermanence and vulnerability. By purposefully selecting materials that are soft, pliable and decay over time, Hesse challenged notions of what art could be, infusing her works with temporality and a tactile presence that invites contemplation on the nature of existence.
In more recent times, El Anatsui (1944 -), a Ghanaian sculptor has emerged as a critical figure in the global art scene, recognised for his mesmerising tapestries made from recycled bottle caps and other discarded materials. These large-scale works, which like Hesse, seemingly merge painting and sculpture, reflect a deep engagement with the themes of consumption, waste and the degradation of the environment. They also draw upon rich cultural histories exploring narratives of colonialism, post-colonial identity and global interconnectedness. Anatsui’s innovative use of his chosen materials not only underscores the transformative power of art to recontextualise and elevate the ordinary but also serves as a compelling commentary on the cycles of use, discard and renewal that characterise the modern world.
Anselm Kiefer (1945 -), is a German artist that explores the themes of history, mythology, memory and decay through texture and materiality. His approach to materials is both innovative and symbolic, incorporating a wide array of substances such as lead, straw, ash, clay, gold leaf and oil paint to create richly textured, layered works. Kiefer’s use of texture is not merely aesthetic but also serves to embody the weight of history and the process of decay and regeneration. For example, his incorporation of lead in many of his works – a material he has described as “the only material heavy enough to carry the weight of human history” – adds a physical and symbolic depth to his work, emphasising themes of transformation and permanence. Similarly, his use of straw, ash and clay are all references to the themes of destruction, mortality and rebirth.
The Emotional Landscape of Textured Art:
The impact of textured art extends beyond the visual as it invites an emotional and psychological engagement between the artwork, artist and viewer. The tactile quality of these works stimulates a primal and emotional response, drawing viewers closer and encouraging them to experience art through touch, if permitted, or the imagined sensation of touch. This multisensory approach breaks down the barriers between the artwork and the viewer, fostering a more intimate and immersive experience when viewing art.
Furthermore, textured art has the power to evoke memories and emotions that are linked to specific materials and textures, creating a personal connection that is unique to each individual viewer. This engagement not only enriches the viewing experience but also democratises art, making it more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
The Challenges and Considerations of Curating Textured Art:
Curating textured art presents unique challenges from the practicalities of preservation and display to the conceptual considerations of engaging audiences. Textured artworks, particularly those incorporating organic or perishable materials, require meticulous care t prevent deterioration. However, how these works are displayed can significantly affect the viewer’s experience, with lighting, spacing and accessibility all playing crucial roles in highlighting the tactile qualities of the artwork.
Another critical aspect of curating textured art is facilitating viewer engagement whilst still protecting the works. While the tactile nature of these works invites touch, it often isn’t feasible or advisable to allow physical interaction between the viewer and the artwork. Creative solutions, such as providing a tactile sample or employing augmented reality, could be ways in which galleries and museums offer alternative ways for audiences to engage with the texture and materiality of the artworks.
The Future of Textured Art:
As we look to the future, textured art continues to evolve, driven by artists’ endless curiosity and innovation. Emerging technologies, such as 3D printing and virtual reality, offer new avenues for creating and experiencing texture and touch, pushing the very boundaries of what is possible. Yet, at the same time, the fundamental appeal of textured art, its ability to engage the sense and evoke deep emotional responses, is something that may never be changed or touched by the emergence of new technologies.
Textured art holds a very unique place in the art world, offering a rich and diverse landscape for exploration and expression. It challenges us to see beyond the surface, to touch and be touched by art in the most literal of senses. In doing so, textured art opens up new dialogues between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us.