Romantic Realism: The Rational Art of Bryan Larsen.
“How Far We’ve Come” - 2012, Bryan Larsen
Art is the selective, stylised recreation of some aspect of reality based on the artist’s view of existence. The art one produces is the clearest projection of their soul onto physical reality.
Bryan Larsen is my favourite living painter. In the true spirit of Aristotle, who is referenced on the spaceships portrayed in his artworks, Larsen paints the individual as a heroic being, enjoying the glory of life in a rational universe. The world he shows us is a free, joyous, intelligent paradise – a paradise which can (and ought to) be achieved. His art extolls the virtues of reason, achievement, individualism, and wonder. It makes clear that he regards the individual as a metaphysical marvel – a being thoroughly worthy of happiness, and competent to achieve it.
“Vantage of Veritas” - 2018, Bryan Larsen
The theme of all Bryan Larsen’s art is: The beauty of a universe built by individual reason – for individual enjoyment.
“School of Awesome” - 2021, Bryan Larsen
Mr Larsen is not without a sense of humour. Observe the painting titled “School of Awesome” (a reference to the object of its parody, Raphael’s The School of Athens). There are two distinctly comical features in this painting: the asymmetric perspective, and the deliberately switched-around representations of “Plato” (left) and “Aristotle” (right). If each philosopher were to represent the outcome of his philosophy practiced to this day, “Aristotle” – father of reason, science and progress – would be wearing a spacesuit, while Plato – father of mysticism, organised religion and dictatorship – would remain dressed in his old robes.
“Breaking Through” - Bryan Larsen
Today’s most popular artists direct their efforts at either representing depravity or representing nothing at all. Needless to say, there is not even a hint of this misanthropic, degenerate quality in Larsen’s works. His art is a complete repudiation of the low, the commonplace, the ordinary, the unworthy-of-contemplation.
Those who scorn Romantic Realist art cry in response “But life isn’t like that.”
We should ask such critics: “Whose life?”
Link to Bryan Larsen’s website: https://www.bryanlarsen.com/
Disclaimer: Bryan Larsen has not reviewed the content of this article. The thoughts expressed are my own and this article should not be considered an endorsed promotion. Any misrepresentations are my responsibility.