By Lisa Talley
Love it or hate it, that’s exactly the reaction local artist, Andrew Wren is hoping for when you view his artwork for the very first time. It’s an extreme response to an equally extreme fervor in which these works are created.
“Art is my first and greatest passion. [It began] as a child and I was recognized repeatedly for my ability draw, this positive reinforcement pushed me to further develop… [and] improve my technique and creative thought process,” shares Wren about his journey as an artist.
There is no in-between with this love affair of painting, for Wren, everything is on display the moment a piece is revealed. The artist’s choices come alive and tell a story, not just the completed final imagining. It is that and more, it’s the discipline of style in which the brush was used, it’s also the color pallet chosen by the artist, and each of these goes a long way in conveying a message. And it’s not just regarding the artist him or herself as an individual but also the subject matter they’ve created on the canvas. In the end, the combination of the technique used along with the finished product itself is what should stir something in the viewer, for better or worse, according to Wren.
“It is my hope, always, those people who view my work come away with some sort of reaction that is at the edges of the emotional spectrum… if a person sees my work and finds me skilled but lacking depth or purpose and walking away from the painting [without giving] its meaning another thought, [then] that in my mind is a failure on my part as the artist,” Wren shares.
It comes as no surprise to hear that there is a great deal of importance in having a reaction as a spectator. Art should cause a viewer to have a response, but for Wren, it should ignite the need for a furious debate. Whether that debate is truly rooted in anger is neither here nor there, but rather that the debate is one felt with a level of passionate response. And it’s likely this is the case since much of Andrew Wren’s work is founded in what’s currently happening in the world.
“The aim is to tell a story from my singular perspective [of an event] that will, in turn, focus the viewer on to a particular world issue that I think is important,” offers Wren.
Pulled from the likes of news media, music, and documentaries Andrew’s work is inspired by not only what he sees in the world on a political and cultural scale, but by how others are reacting to it as well. Whether it’s a driven topic of ongoing conversation that sparks coverage by the media or an interpretation done by other artists in different fields reflecting those things, it all inspires Wren with the drive to refine skills, hone talents, and find interesting ways to voice the message he is trying to say through his paintings.
Art is undoubtedly subjective, but there’s something profoundly alluring about Wren’s work that causes the viewer to stand back in order to fully feel the weight of what’s being presented. The colors are often bold, yet subdued in shadow or eloquently feathered to create unique hues that signal a hidden message about the realities of something… I … just… can’t… put… my… finger… on… so I’m left staring at each piece looking for the truth hidden there, absolutely certain that I’ll find it.
But this is yet still the perspective of only one viewer. To truly understand the impact of Wren’s work you’ll have to see it for yourself. However, his next show isn’t until this summer where he’ll be showcasing at Cornerstone Cafe for the July ArtHop event, but you can still keep up with he’s working on by following him on Instagram @andrew.wren.art.
Do you know an artist that more people should know about? Whether it’s music, painting, sculpting, or the written word we want to hear about it. Drop us a line by contacting Lisa at 559-472-7182 or send an email to lisa@fresnoflyer.com.
