While Van Gogh is not stated as the greatest artist of all time too often, though almost always in the top ten, arguably he is readily known as the most popular artist in history.
The phenomenon is that is art seems grow in popularity year after year despite his death back in 1890. Consider the vast numbers of large scale, warehouse-sized, immersive, digital exhibitions of his legendary artwork popping up all over the world.
Why is that? Are you curious? I have tried hard over the years to look closely at the artist, break things down and see how his techniques can be applied today. I feel art is tiring and needs some rejuvenation. Hence, I have coined the term, Van Gogh unlocked.
One of the most pronounced, standout features of his artwork is his use of impasto oil paint.
I recall the Van Gogh exhibition in 2017 which saw the greatest attendance in the history of the NGV till this day. I went seven times. What was fascinating for me to listen to random comments made by viewers, as we looked at his original paintings.
Gorgeous, magnificent, ahhhhhh….amazing use of colour, as many superlatives as you can utter. Eyes lit up! People were enthralled and fixated by the beauty.
What was the consistent hall mark of the works? Not just colours. But the Impasto; thick textured, almost sculpted paint that makes a statement.
Why is impasto so valuable and why did Van Gogh use it the way he did? If you have come this far, go a little further and see this short video I have made to answer those questions; see it below:
Mark Rusic was born in Melbourne and has a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. He became a missionary to many, suffering hardship and poverty on Madura Island in Indonesia, in 1990 for about four years. He worked as a pastor-life coach with Hope International Ministries from 2002 to May 2023, playing a key role in raising up leaders and elders for the local Melbourne Hope church, which lead today. Mark has also been active in conducting yearly trips to remote Indigenous communities, bringing teams for training and outreach, which he initiated from 2015. He also established a salt and light ministry to empower saints of influence in the marketplace from 2017.
Mark is also an artist and an author and has written two books which are both a collection of his own paintings, photography, and poetry. These include ‘Iconic Melbourne of Australia’ and ‘Iconic Animals of Australia- With a voice to release your giant potential within,’ which are available now on booktopia.com.au and at leading book retailers. He has been counted among some of Australia’s best authors on several occasions through Dymocks since 2014 and continues to be a motivational speaker in various community groups, organisations, and churches.
He is currently pioneering his itinerant ministry to bless Indigenous people and empower the body of Christ, while working as an artist, author and speaker.
