Vincent Van Gogh Sol Lewitt. References Book

¶ … Vincent Van Gogh Sol LeWitt. References book "a world art" 7th ed. central Texas college edition. Written sere, henry m. chapters 4-6 250 words

Compare and contrast the use of line in the works of Vincent Van Gogh and Sol LeWitt.

Both the works of Vincent Van Gogh and Sol LeWitt are characterized by frequent deployment of bright, contrasting colors to create a particular aesthetic effect. But Van Gogh's use of line is vibrant, kinesthetic and trembling with emotions while LeWitt's works can best be characterized as being absent of emotions or at very least characterized by an attempt to contain the artist's emotions. Van Gogh's work is passionate; LeWitt's is objective. The use of lines in both men's works reflects their different attitudes and moods. LeWitt favors clean, sharp lines that give his work a print-like quality. Van Gogh uses textured ridges in his paintings that make the works seem to spring to life -- and spring off the canvas. There is often a kind of wavy halo of light around the most significant objects in a Van Gogh painting, as in the heavenly bodies of Starry Night or the artist's self-portraits. In contrast, LeWitt's use of color is angular and defined.

Both men's works are very clearly their unique visions of the world: they do not attempt to create a realistic portrait of either nature or humanity. Van Gogh is classified as a Post-Impressionist because the ways in which he uses color and line are intended to express his emotions about various subjects. The furniture in a room in one painting or the sun in another painting seems to shudder or swirl with either sadness or delight. There is no observable order to the manner in which the lines are orchestrated, other than to reveal the artist's very personal vision.

In stark contrast, LeWitt's work looks very mannered and heavily influenced by lithographs and other forms of mass-produced art. LeWitt's use of line is clean, versus the messy and infinitely fascinating sprawl of lines in Van Gogh. While a gazer might think he can easily understand a LeWitt at a glance, it is possible to look for hours at a Van Gogh and see new configurations of lines that suggest alternative interpretations of the various objects that are displayed.