“I saw walking works of art,” ten Napel recalls. “They are dressed in beautiful feathers with a great variety of colors and patterns. They walk gracefully as models on a catwalk, dance delicately like ballet dancers, and move acrobatically like gymnasts. Watching them was a feast for the eyes.”
Zachary Armstrong’s roosters at GNYP Gallery
With its colourful plumage, imposing crest and loud crow, the rooster is an intriguing creature that has captured our imagination for centuries. From Cantecleer in the epic poem ‘Van den Vos Reynaerde’ to the proud symbol on the Walloon flag, this animal has defied art and political history. The rooster is also a source of inspiration for American artist Zachary Armstrong, who is currently exhibiting his work at GNYP Gallery.
Portraits, GNYP Gallery
For art, the space in which the work is exhibited is often extremely important. American artist Zachary Armstrong can consider himself lucky to be able to show his work in the unique location of GNYP Gallery. The walls of this stately mansion on Antwerp’s Jan Van Rijswijcklaan almost transform his rooster works into stately portraits that make you want to bow your head in humility. Yet, it is not merely the space that is awe-inspiring, but also the way in which the animals are depicted. They hang just above eye level, forcing you to look up at the animal, an awkward position that also draws attention to their piercing gaze.
Throughout history, the rooster has acquired a solid reputation as a symbol of a nation, a sign of the Chinese zodiac and Peter’s denial. There could not be a greater contrast to the rural life of the American Midwest where Armstrong grew up, where the rooster is ‘merely’ a farm animal that crows at the crack of dawn. “For years, I have collected images of roosters from books, magazines and pictures I have taken, Google searches, everywhere imaginable. (…) I have combined bits and pieces from different roosters into a whole. It was important to me that this was my ‘image’,” says the artist in an interview with art critic Dominic Eichler.
Zachary Armstrong, Rooster #13, 2022, GNYP Gallery
Drawn from private life
In 2019, Artnet wrote that Armstrong was sure to be one of the artists the art world would be hearing more from. But a year later, the doors of the world were locked due to the pandemic, but that did not stop the artist. His work travelled the world from Berlin to London and Beijing to Brooklyn and has now stopped in Antwerp. Armstrong is the perfect example of the American art scene not being limited to New York. From his hometown in Dayton, Ohio, he conquers the world with his work, which is inspired by his private life: childhood, family, American culture and the many natural history books he reads.
These influences result in works of art that are homogeneous in their uniqueness. His meticulous brushwork ensures that each animal has its own character. Those who take the time to reflect closely on the paintings will feel the urge to look for human characteristics in the stately comb, almost haughty gaze and plumage.
Portraits, GNYP Gallery
Old techniques
For his work, Armstrong uses the time-honoured technique of encaustic or wax painting in which pigment is mixed with beeswax. In the silence of his studio, he spends hours mixing the right colours for his subject, a monumental job that has resulted in about forty shades of red, each of which is incorporated into the proud comb. It was an insane experience through which he – in his own words – learned to understand Josef Albers better. “The real beauty of what those colours do, the change, occurs during the painting process, not when the work is hanging on the wall.”
Rooster on a pedestal
Portraits shows an artist who has succeeding in transforming an everyday subject into art. With this thought in mind, it is tempting to conclude that his work leans towards pop art. Others might argue that the manner of depiction is very similar to the state portraits of the Renaissance and Baroque. The encaustic technique in turn takes us back to the time of the Greeks and Romans. Zachary Armstrong presents the visitor with unique stories that have the rooster as a common thread. Artnet was right in 2019 when they wrote that we would be hearing more from this young artist.
A Symbolic Expression Of Color And Culture
Roosters are highly respected and praised around the world. When it comes to art, there are multiple reasons why you’d want this masterpiece in your space.
These colorful rooster paintings widely captivate viewers with their meticulous details, vivid colors, and rich cultural background. When you look at the above abstract rooster painting, you’ll realize the beauty and magnificence it showcases, which offers us a deeper insight into different cultures and traditions.
Miguel’s brush rendered each element with a meticulous touch, unveiling an exquisite tapestry where the comb, tail, furs, wattles, hackles and hook interwine flawlessly in harmonious perfection.
Get ready to dive deep into this mesmerizing world of oil paintings of roosters and learn more about it.
Historical Value Of Roosters
Roaster paintings, just like donkey painting s , have a rich historical background in the art world.
When we talk about the Western rooster art world, rooster paintings are represented and symbolized in different religious paintings, folk art, and stand-still life designs.
In Eastern culture, roosters are highly popular, especially in China, as they are believed to be a motif of fidelity, positivity, and good fortune.
Diversified Artistic Style And Techniques
A rooster painting is blended and crafted using different artistic styles and techniques.
Miguel Camarena expresses his love for these royal birds through his creative art. His Key West large rooster paintings’ intricate details and realistic expressions are almost unbelievable! Camarena uses diverse brushstrokes, vibrant color palettes, and compositional elements to capture the realistic energy of roosters in his paintings!
FAQs
Roosters symbolize courage, strength, power, and good fortune. Also, they’re interlinked with protection against evil spirits. These are the reasons why people hang acrylic rooster paintings in their homes.
No matter where you belong, you’ll always find some cultural connection with a famous rooster painting. For example, Mexican art uses bold colors and textures to draw roosters. Whereas, in China, roosters are linked with Chinese zodiac signs and are painted with gentle brushstrokes and detailed patterns.
Miguel Camarena’s art gallery is a treat for every art lover. If you reside on Cave Creek Road (Arizona) or in nearby areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, etc., visiting this gallery is a must. You’ll find thought-provoking and innovative artwork in each category that Miguel has drawn himself.
Miguel Camarena approaches roaster paintings with innovation and experimentation. He strives to push his boundaries and draw something extraordinary. His art is powered by his imagination and vision. With different materials, techniques, and styles, he successfully interprets cultures and traditions.
Rooster Paintings At Miguel Camarena Art Gallery
A painting of a rooster is a powerful expression of art. It bridges the gap between cultures and invites people to experience the representation of a highly praised red rooster painting globally. Be it East or West America, a hand-painted rooster is never getting old!
If you love Miguel’s art, appreciate him by getting an art piece for your space. Contact us for customizations and delivery options.
In 2014, he was inspired to use hens and roosters as models after a chance encounter with one while on vacation.
“I saw walking works of art.”
“They walk gracefully as models on a catwalk, dance delicately like ballet dancers, and move acrobatically like gymnasts.”
Alex ten Napel: Website | Instagram
