The Revival of Classical Art Techniques

Let’s explore how classical art techniques make a big wave in today’s art scene. It’s all about mixing the old with the new to create something unique and exciting.

Portrait of A Lady, Kehinde Wiley, Oil on Canvas, 82 × 70 1/2 in | 208.3 × 179.1 cm, Sourced by David Benrimon Fine Art New York

Imagine stepping into a time machine with a modern twist. That’s exactly what artists like Kehinde Wiley and Julie Mehretu are doing. They’re taking techniques from the past and using them to tell stories that matter now.

Kehinde Wiley brings the drama of Baroque art to life. Think grand portraits with rich textures and deep shadows, featuring people you’d see on the street today. It’s like saying, "Everyone deserves to be recognized!"

Julie Mehretu, on the other hand, uses Renaissance fresco techniques but adds a modern, abstract spin. Her work captures the energy of bustling cities, layering stories of migration and change. It’s a centuries-old technique made new and vibrant.

Untitled 2,1999, Julie Mehretu, Ink and polymer on canvas mounted to board 151.8 x 182.2 cm, Sourced by White Cube

So, why the revival? It’s about keeping traditions alive while diving into new narratives. These methods bring richness and depth, allowing artists to explore big themes like identity and history.

Baroque styles add drama and emotion, helping artists like Wiley challenge old norms and celebrate diverse voices. Mehretu’s fresco approach shows that the past isn’t just stuck in history but a living, and present.

This movement isn’t just about looking back, it’s an energetic mix of past and present. Artists are tapping into history to enrich today’s art scene. They're merging traditional techniques with a modern twist, transforming art and showing that the past remains incredibly valuable.