“Condolence” by Patrick Devonas
Click the image to see it much larger.
Swiss-born American symbolist Patrick Devonas has done okay in competition with this moving painting, done on the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks, though taking second place in the landscape category of the First International ARC Salon Competition (careful: ARC Salon is a registered trademark) pocketed him a mere $500, a tenth of the top prize, which went to Daniel Gerhartz’s very romantic, very old-fashioned “Hind’s Feet”. That’s to be expected of the Art Renewal Centre.
But “Condolence” has had plenty of play on the Internet, primarily among Mormon-friendly websites and art contests. Devonas, 41, is a Latter-Day Saints Church-goer, which is neither here nor there except that it makes him a large fish in a small pond, so he gets plenty of attention that he might not otherwise.
Did that sound too snarky? We’re all supposed to be trying to get along better now.
what is this comment supposed to suggest? something about the artist, the painting or both? and why should we be getting along better with each other? because of the painting or because of mormonism? and why publish that the painter is mormon? does it matter? i get the feeling you (the initiater of this blog) have a personal vendeta with the author of this piece.
Calm down, Mrs Devonas, we’re all friends here. I think the painting is wonderful and Patrick is very gifted. The wisecracks were intended more for the ARC. I mentioned the Mormons only because that’s where I found Patrick’s greatest presence on the Net, and I did worry about it sounding snarky. Seems to me he deserves more attention elsewhere — and a lot more than 500 bucks. Have a cup of tea and try exercising your tongue around the side of your cheek. It’s good for the soul and fun, which has its place even on a grim anniversary like the 11th.
I know Partick,I have been studying with him for some time. To group him into a main stream Utah Mormon is misleading. There are all types of Mormons and he is definately not your typical Utah Mormon. And you are right, his work deserves more attention elsewhere, as Utah is backward when it comes to great art and they don’t know what great talent is. He does not get the credit he deserves here. He puts every emotion possible in his work and as an art history student also, I believe it has great historical value. What was with the ARC and that crappy reward anyway? Just wait till you see the painting he has just finished. Incredible. Also, look for him to start showing in New York in the furture. He definately belongs out of Utah. He is also starting an online gallery with William Whitaker, can’t wait for him to get the recognition he deserves, escpecially since he is just a truly good person.
Thankyou for the insight, Fortheart, and I definitely look forward to seeing the online gallery and the new work.
Damn ugly painting,
Reminds me of prior artists who made paintings about wars or tragedies (guernica, wich is crap too & botero torture paintings, wich are even worse crap as well).
Agreed, Juan, but surely never meant to be pretty.