Lucian Freud's quote, "I want paint to work as flesh," provides a profound insight into his artistic approach and technique. It encapsulates his commitment to rendering the human type with an intensity and realism that transcends the simple representation of skin. Freud, among the most prominent metaphorical painters of the 20th century, was understood for his unflinching portrayal of the human body, and this quote is emblematic of his method.
In saying he desires paint to "work as flesh," Freud is revealing a desire for his medium-- oil paint, in his case-- to embody the tactile, visceral qualities of human skin. This talks to his precise strategy and the physicality of his painting procedure. Freud applied paint with a sculptor's level of sensitivity, typically utilizing thick impastos and textured surfaces to give a sense of volume and presence. This devotion to texture and surface was not simply a stylistic option however a way to communicate the vulnerability and complexity of the human condition.
Freud's work frequently involved close collaboration with his sitters, sometimes spending hundreds of hours catching their likenesses. His intention was to permeate beyond the shallow exterior and expose the caretaker's psychological state. Hence, the concept of paint working as flesh extends beyond the actual to the metaphorical, capturing the essence of the individual portrayed. This method highlights the dichotomy between the physical substance of paint and the intangible lifestyles it makes every effort to illustrate.
Additionally, this quote highlights Freud's rejection of idealized beauty. By welcoming the flaws and idiosyncrasies of flesh, he challenges traditional looks and invites audiences to face the raw and uncompromising facts of humanity. In this way, paint ends up being a channel for checking out styles of identity, death, and the corporeal reality of presence. Ultimately, Freud's goal for paint to "work as flesh" is a testimony to his quest for credibility and depth in his portrayal of mankind.