Thomas Versus Damien

Thomas versus Damien

It seems odd that such a chasm should form in thought about two artists of such disparate styles and yet popular opinion be so similar from nearly polar opposites. Audiences love one and disdain the other, and there seem to be large camps at either end of the spectrum.

Thomas Kincaide, the self acclaimed “painter of light” is best known for his color intense, luxuriously painted cozy landscapes inhabited by houses that posses an internal glow visible through every window. Kincaide, a devout Christian, attempts to express his beliefs in an inspiring and warm style in these technically masterful paintings.

However, this attempt to impart spirituality through his art has not endeared him to many critics, and has made him the object of ridicule among many so-called “high art” circles. I will come back to this shortly.

The work of Damien Hirst leans darkly in the other direction. Diamond encrusted human skulls, sharks and calves encased in formaldehyde are the most frequently mentioned of his vast body of work based primarily on the subject of death. The overall Hirst portfolio is sculptural in nature and masterful in execution.

Hirst's works is widely acclaimed by critics and he is noted as the wealthiest of Britain's artists. Yet, his aesthetic is one that disturbs many viewers.

I admire both of these artists for their excellent execution of their individual techniques, their business savvy, and their prolific production. However, it is doubtful I would want to own work by either of them. Kincaide's work is too bucolic and, for the lack of a better word, traditional and Hirst's work is too depressing and dark. If I were to emulate either of them it would be Kincaide, but only for his outspokenness about his faith.

Critics and others within most art circles dismiss Kincaide because of his statement of faith. Yet they applaud Hirst for his statement of the obvious. Whether you are talking about animal or vegetable, death eventually occurs. Not really a news flash, Damien.

Thomas, on the other hand, speaks of another inevitability, Life. Yet, this is Life with a capital "L". That which enfuses all around it with light and that other "L" word. Love. Love which comes from knowing the creator of the universe, and understanding who He is.

The critics have made their choice. I choose Life, and if it came down to it, I would choose Kincaide over Hirst.