Untitled (Still Life)
Artist
Robert Kogge
(American)
Date1984
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions22 × 22 in. (55.9 × 55.9 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Object numberUAC2753
DescriptionPainted on unprimed canvas in traditional oil paints, Untitled (Still Life) stands out from other works by Robert Kogge in that it is painted with oil on canvas instead of his signature method of colored pencil and thinned ink. Several objects, a box, tipped over cup, and two bowls sit on a table with the drawer pulled out ever so slightly. To the left side of the painting, contrasting the simple patterns and regular shapes, is a broccaided curtain that is left at a slight angle. The straight-on perspective of the image gives a similar sense to an old dutch still life; a modern interpretation.The tranquility that Kogge imparts into his work is still present in the stability and balance of the objects within the composition. The scene appears as if it is being revealed by the curtain being pulled away to the left, the only place that angled lines make an appearance in the otherwise very regimented and right-angled painting. The gentle handling of light and shadow to make the forms of the objects adds to this sense of calm.
Educated at Parsons School of Design in New York City in the mid 1970s, Robert Kogge is a contemporary artist working in the media of pencil and ink wash, teaching at Yard School of Art in New Jersey. His signature style, pencil marks on untreated canvas colored with thinned ink washes, he developed as a means of showing the full evolution of a work of art from sketch to finished product naturally and without unnecessary covering. His work can be found on both the Hoboken Arts Online Gallery, as well as the Artists Network online exhibition of his still lifes. His physical work is represented in the Jersey State Museum, as well as several other collections along the east coast.
Written by Alex Heath
