In Real Life

Fallout, Half-Life, Grand Theft Auto Landscaped

10:20AM June 24, 2009 | Michael McWhertor

James Barnett’s “Fauxvism Series” of paintings focuses on a genre of video game-inspired art that we, unfortunately, all too rarely see: painted landscapes. Half-life 2 fans will likely recognise “Canal Barn with Figure,” seen above.

Barnett’s Fauxvism Series plays on the Fauvism style, a movement that followed the turn of the twentieth century, led by Henri Mattisse and AndrĂ© Derain. The painter’s artist statement, or something that looks similar to an artist’s statement, reads, in part: “There’s a whole spiel behind this, starting from frustration at 3D games slavishly imitating real life (though this has been lessened thanks to Braid and others), but really, artists should shut up and make pictures.”

Two more of those pictures, inspired by Team Fortress 2 and Fallout 3, are after this. More are available for sale at Barnett’s web site, including some lovely Grand Theft Auto IV cityscapes.

James Barnett’s Official Site


Comments

  • unknownpete

    June 24, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    I want that 2fort one…NOW!

  • Flash

    June 25, 2009 at 9:04 AM

    This is why I don’t understand art. I get the feeling that a 7 year old could have done this

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