The Women of Karl Bang
Beautiful women, who doesn’t like them? Our opinions of beauty may differ just as much as each woman is unique from the other, but each concept is as valid and convincing as anyone would want us to believe. How do we define the beauty of women? And how is one to present it so that it gets the admiration it is due?
Karl Bang was born in Shanghai and grew up with the traditional art of the Chinese, but was also trained in the European technique. This fusion of styles is much evident in his art - in the fluidity of line, in employing symbolism and hidden messages, and in the use of patterns characteristically Asian, and in the realism and expression of the western counterpart - making for a unique feel to his work. Which makes it universally appreciated.
But more than this, I am most impressed by the beauty of his favorite theme - women, and the way he shows them. Each work has a busy backdrop, having elements which could easily compete with, if not take away one’s attention from, the central subject. But no, they in fact emphasize, enhance, give meaning, animate and tell her story. These women appear feminine, gentle, caring, engaging, assured, powerful. And beautiful.
Click on the picture to see my collection of these beauties, gathered from various sources online.
