Bartosz Beda collection artworks have been processed by the artist himself to visually simulate the 3D depth of the thick brushstrokes of layered paint of the original paintings.

FROM THE ARTIST: Bartosz Beda

Regarding the original painting, “Elvis in Motion, Capturing The King”

Capturing The King: An Abstract Figurative Study in Motion

Evoking Elvis's Dynamic Presence

As I look at "Untitled - study," an oil on canvas paper measuring 34x44.5 cm from 2013, my eyes are immediately drawn to the abstract forms suggesting a figure in motion. The inspiration—a snapshot from an Elvis concert—breathes energetic life into the work, mirroring the King's dynamic stage presence.

You can see the gestural strokes creating the impression of movement, mirroring the fluidity of a karate performance. The palette, with its muted earth tones, grays, and blues, is suddenly alight with vivid oranges and whites, hinting at the stage's luminescence and the vibrancy of Elvis himself.

The Spark of Inspiration: Elvis in Motion

In the creative sanctuary of my studio back in 2013, a serendipitous moment unfolded that would breathe life into "Untitled - study." While browsing YouTube for new music or a documentary to accompany the day's creative session, I stumbled upon a short clip that captured Elvis Presley in a rare performance—melding karate with his musical act on stage. The sight was unorthodox, bizarre even, watching the King of Rock 'n' Roll engaged in the disciplined, flowing movements of martial arts against the backdrop of his soul-stirring music.

This juxtaposition fascinated me, and I delved deeper, absorbing documentaries and reading articles to understand this fusion of art forms. From this well of inspiration, I took a snapshot from the screen, a frozen tableau of this cultural syncretism, which I would bring to life on canvas. Studying this phenomenon was as much a meditation as it was an artistic pursuit, leading to the birth of a painting that captured not just Elvis's physical motion but the stirring of something more profound. At this moment, music, motion, and iconography met in a visual crescendo.

A Textured Dance of Color and Form

The layered paint adds complexity and depth, akin to the textured nuances of Elvis's performances. Each brushstroke and color choice resonates with his music's rhythm and movements' boldness. Though abstract, the human emerges, embodying Elvis's passion and showmanship.

Intersecting with Literature and Film

Reflecting on "Untitled - study," I find myself amidst the realms of literature and film that have immortalized icons like Elvis. The painting's vivid narrative style parallels Truman Capote's rich subtextual storytelling, and the fluid abstraction recalls the essence captured in Virginia Woolf's prose.

The kinetic energy of Elvis's live performance echoed in the snapshot that inspired this painting, and it finds kinship in the documentary "Elvis: That's the Way It Is," offering a lens to interpret the dynamic composition before you.

Literary and Cinematic Parallels

The motion-captured on the canvas evokes Jack Kerouac's spontaneous writing in "On the Road," a visual complement to the author's jazz-influenced, stream-of-consciousness style. Likewise, Baz Luhrmann's vibrant film "Elvis" parallels the bold, dramatic gestures and sweeps of color found in my painting.

Engaging with the Artistic Dialogue

In engaging with "Untitled - study," you are not merely an observer but a participant in a dialogue that traverses art forms. The rhythmic brushstrokes on the canvas connect with the rhythmic prose of literature and the film's striking visuals, celebrating the enduring influence of cultural icons like Elvis Presley.

This made-to-order wall art is PRINTED ON CANVAS with a 1.5” frame depth and will arrive to you ready to hang. The side edges are finished in mirror-edge blur.

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ABOUT THE CANVAS PRINT
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• Dried pine stretcher bars ensure the frame will not warp or bow over time
• Thick, archival grade, poly-cotton blend canvas provides great durability
• ph neutral and acid free – the canvas will not yellow over time
• 1.5″ frame depth with sides finished in mirror-edge blur
• Ready to hang with an installed sawtooth hanger

See more from the “Curated Works of Bartosz Beda Collection” at Widdlytinks.com