Artist: Oscar Pearson
Exhibition: Near Far Exhibit
Media: Charcoal on Paper
Gallery: LBSU School of Art, Dennis W. Dutzi Gallery
Instagram: @oscarpearsonofficial
About the Artist
Oscar Pearson is an undergraduate student who is studying under the Drawing/ Painting program in COTA (College of the Arts) at Long Beach State. This past month, students like Oscar Pearson have been working with charcoal or oil for the Near Far Exhibit. What’s unique about Pearson is that he enjoys making art while on various forms of public transportation. This is clearly evident through his artwork presented in the exhibition.
Website: oscarpearson.com/wicksart
Formal Analysis
In Pearson’s piece titled This Train, his main element was charcoal. With that being said, color is monotone and mainly black and white with several grey tones. There was a mixture off curved lines for decoration or for facial features, but also a lot of straight lines to match the same figure of railings and poles that are on trains. The cadence and rhythm is quite moving considering the fact that its main focus was public transportation on a train. The repetition of the curved lines on the seats of the train and shading or highlighting bring life to this art piece. Furthermore, this was a large painting that can be viewed from a far distance that can catch the eyes of its audience.
Content Analysis
As I was discussing with Pearson, he noted that he often draws and sketches while he is on the bus. These sketches manifest his finished artwork that would often take hours, months and maybe even a year. In addition, the meaning behind these sketches and art pieces are truly moving. Pearson talked about how he enjoys the experience of having a destination, and how people who are on a bus or train are often going to the same or different destination but have a whole unique experience to themselves. He uses a metaphor to describe his artwork: an illusion of freedom within reason. For example, he discussed the ability of freely moving around on a train but are still limited to a track that the train follows. Pearson provides meaning behind his pieces that make them more valuable.
My Experience
I really enjoyed my conversation with Oscar Pearson. I was truly fascinated by the fact that this amazing artist does his sketches on public transportation and eventually transforms these sketches into even more beautiful art. It made me realize how art can be done anywhere at any time, no excuses. He also provided a beautiful message about life and how we are constantly moving towards a destination or goal, but each experience is unique to us and how we treat our values.
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