John Tunnard

John Tunnard (May 7, 1900 - December 18, 1971), was a British artist and designer.

Related Topics:
May 7 - 1900 - December 18 - 1971

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Tunnard was born in Bedfordshire, England. He is best known for his paintings of strange private worlds, which are usually instantly recognisable and categorised as British Surrealism. A use of biomorphic forms and architectural elements combine with elements of constructivism, reflecting his interest in the technology of space travel. Many of the paintings are of fantastic constructions in deep space, and demonstrate an interest in entomology, geology and technology.The paintings often appear mysterious and have a sinister quality which can make them inaccessible to those viewing them for the first time. Tunnard's common use of cold colours such as blues, greys and greens; and an inhuman scale further evoke this feeling of remoteness in the paintings. His work was possibly the first among modernists to depict satellites and moonscapes.Tunnards paintings were meticulously painted with clear precise edges and carefully rendered modelling. Tunnard's vision was a unique one which transcended the documentary representation of the world around. He was at first, quietly naive about modern technique; he once asked a colleague whether it was acceptable for him to use a compass and a ruler. Would he foresake his authenticity as an artist? His choice of materials was unusual, tempera and oil paint was sometimes combined in a single work. He also worked with oil on glass supports. Many times oils were painted on his choice of fibre or composite board.

Related Topics:
British Surrealism - Entomology - Geology - Tempera - Oil paint

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