John Reuss' paintings convey an inner turmoil that he believes is a universal daily struggle for everyone, although these feelings manifest themselves differently in each individual.
His dark, brooding paintings feature sombre gray tones and figures with disfigurements and missing body parts. None of the subjects' faces can be seen clearly -- Reuss masks them with a combination of soft, hazy lines and bodies in uncomfortably twisted positions.
The artwork is overlayed with multiple exposures, showing many angles at once. This effect is designed to project the inner turmoils and chaos of Reuss' subjects onto the canvas' surface. Although the feelings of inner turmoil you experience on a daily basis may not be this intense, it is easy to empathize.
Projected Inner Struggle Portraits
John Reuss' Paintings Represent Peoples' Inner Turmoil
Trend Themes
1. Inner Struggle Art - Artists are using their mediums to express the inner turmoil of subjects, providing a unique perspective into emotional and mental health issues.
2. Ambiguous Portraiture - Artists are changing traditional portrait styles by obscuring facial features and conveying inner struggles without revealing identities.
3. Multi-exposure Art - Artists are experimenting with multi-exposure to convey emotions and inner turmoils through layered and distorted imagery.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Art galleries and museums can showcase inner struggle artwork as a way to bridge the gap between art and mental wellness and provide insight into emotional health.
2. Psychology - Psychology clinics could collaborate with artists to use art as a form of therapy and encourage patients to use creative expression to aid in their emotional healing.
3. Marketing - Marketing and advertising agencies could use the multi-exposure technique to convey complex emotions and inner turmoil in their campaigns in a visually striking way.