Odilon Redon 1840 – 1916 was a French artist who was part of the symbolism movement at the end of the nineteenth century. His images are often of a mythical and fantasy nature, dream-like or night-marish depending on the subject and the materials used.
I personally prefer his earlier ‘noir’ works, using charcoal and chalk on coloured paper as they seem to create a more powerful atmosphere. In the Eye Balloon, the intensity of the charcoal used on the balloon makes it appear dark and foreboding, drawing your eye to the eye in the middle. The eye itself, looking up to the heavens, suggests the idea of escape and his use of fine lines radiating out from the balloon creates a religious feel to the drawing.
Two Trees, although using the same media, has bolder areas of light and shade, creating a more
detailed drawing. The highlighted bark of the trees bring it to life and express the texture and detail in it. The dark shadows between and behind the tress add a feeling of uncertainty, of not knowing what lies beyond and, to me, suggest a feeling of unease.
References
How to Talk About Art History (2015) Artist Feature, Who Was Odilon Redon? [online] Available from: http://www.howtotalkaboutarthistory.com/artist-feature/artist-feature-who-was-odilon-redon/
[Accessed 03/01/17]
Museum of Modern Art (2016) Odilon Redon, Eye-Baloon, 1878. [online] Available from: https://www.moma.org/collection/works/33013?locale=en
[Accessed 03/01//17]
Melanie Brown: OCA Learning Log 