Shades
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Shades, by Chuck Chuckerson, 2002
This is ArtOnline, the online art magazine. We're here with artist Chuck Chuckerson, talking about his new
work, entitled "Shades".
ArtOnline:You must be happy with the success of your new work. The New York Metropolitan Museum
of Art recently purchased it for $10 million.
Chuck Chuckerson: Yes, that's nice. As an artist, I don't pay that much attention to these matters.
ArtOnline: Tell us what you have in mind in "Shades".
CC: For me, it's a meditation.
I want people to look at it and meditate, and reflect.
ArtOnline: It's quite white. Some people would call it blank.
CC: Yes. As an artist, I was tempted to paint on this canvas. However, I found that any color,
or physical shape would distract the viewer. It is a visual moment of silence.
ArtOnline: Some of your critics have said "I could do that. That's not art!"
CC: One will always have critics. However, let me say that I spent ten years, in the world's
top art academies. Rome, Paris, New York. I drew a variety of subjects and material. But what I found
in the end, is that this blank canvas expressed more than I ever could.
ArtOnline:
Are you trying to make a statement with this work?
CC: Not necessarily. It's not my goal to express an opinion, to lead the viewer. Rather, I just want to let the
viewer find his or her own meaning. Actually, I was thinking of painting a Zen rock garden.
ArtOnline: And why didn't you?
CC: Somehow the rocks were too dominant. Too physical. I needed something more abstract.
ArtOnline: Thanks for being our guest today.
CC: My pleasure.