Abstract Automatism – (automatism abstrait du moment)
A style of painting that applies primarily to works of art created in the digital domain. Described by the author of the term (automatism abstrait du moment) Ron Maubidea, as an exercise to develop rapid “sculpting” techniques and instant recognition of emerging forms within the abstract composition. It should also be noted that he has never employed the use of a digital paintbrush or drawing tablet to create the imagery in his work.
Abstract Automatism is a modern adaptation and an extension of Automatic Drawing and Surrealist Automatism. Abstract Automatism is defined by several factors. Unlike many of the works created by the genre’s philosophical predecessors, there are no sketches from which to build. The work must be completed within the time constraints of a fleeting inspiration and is ultimately defined by the absence of touchups. It would be simpler to approach this style of painting as digital sculpture.
Automatism Abstrait du moment
English translation: Abstract Automatism of the moment can best be described as a sculpting technique as it applies to digital painting. The origin of the term 'du moment', is an homage to the French cooking method a la minute. A style of preparation wherein the foods are prepared to order and served immediately. As a Professional Restaurant and Banquet Chef for over twenty-five years, it seemed an appropriate play on words to describe his approach.
Quote: To reopen a file (once it has been saved) or to resume painting in the classic manner “after additional thought and preparation has occurred” would defeat the purpose of the exercise. I do not wish to imply that changes in design or refinement (touchups) are prohibited while the concept is evolving.
Example: At the improvisational moment of a jazz solo, there is a given amount of time in which artists can express themselves. When that time has elapsed and the energy of the creative impulse exhausted, the artistic statement is complete. The same rule applies to this exercise.
The qualities most emphasized are spontaneity and improvisation. I strive to develop an emotional colour, if you will. Sensing the emotional architecture in each work as a concept develops, is tantamount to the perceptual light energies or lack thereof. Equally crucial are the energies of exploration and experimentation. Too much preparation results in a taciturn proficiency common to an abundance of structure and predetermination. For the greater part, these are characteristics germane to architecture and portrait painting.
The impulse to “add or redo something”, after a file is closed is a natural continuation of the creative process. Although the extended vision is part of a developing image, it does not apply in this context. There are two distinct groups within the style of Abstract Automatism as it pertains to digital painting. The first, being an artwork that is generated without the use of sketches or an existing image. This is the essence of creative expression in any medium of painting. Two examples of this technique are Floating Aberration and Résurrection du Sphincter de Explosion.
The latter is that which applies the technique to an existing form. Cycle of Life: évolution simplifiee, is a photographic example of the sculpting technique and how it was applied to the subject. However, the work must be completed before the file is closed as the same rule applies in both groups. What makes this approach unique is; when applying the technique to an existing image, the results are generally unpredictable as the painting is of the moment and subconsciously driven. That is the purpose of the exercise. The resulting image treatments are only limited to the styles in which the painter is adept.
The images Floating Aberration , Résurrection du Sphincter de Explosion and Cycle of Life: évolution simplifiee appear with the expressed permission and courtesy of the artist, Ron Maubidea.
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