Compare and contrast the use of line in the works of Vincent van Gogh and Sol Lewitt - Essay Example

Compare and Contrast the Use of Line in the Works of Vincent Van Gogh and Sol Lewitt Vincent was a peculiar artist who worked with a sense of urgency. This work attitude has carried over to his paintings, especially in his use of lines. Van Gogh’s use of lines was more extremely textural – aside from colourful – in order to express his emotions. Unlike Sol Lewitt, Van Gogh was more unrestricted causing the “lines” to look choppy, anxious, and agitated. Sol Lewitt, on the other hand, employs a more melancholic approach: he was more careful, balanced, and ruled in using lines (Legg 54).

Van Gogh used lines and colours based on the feelings he felt inside of him. He does not reflect his line work from a photograph or an existing painting that is why Van Gogh’s works are very stirred up. Van Gogh’s use of lines is more subjective in nature, emphasizing his works as basis of defining abstract impressionism (Tralbaut 286). Sol Lewitt takes a more minimalistic approach, which concentrates on clarity and simplicity. Despite the overwhelming difference between their line works, Gogh and Lewitt both have served as inspiration for classical, pop music and films.

Likewise, Lewitt’s works have acted as source of inspiration for the creation and demonstration of public works. Works CitedLegg, Alicia. Sol Lewitt: The Museum of Modern Art, New York. New York: The Museum, 1978. Print. Tralbaut, Marc Edo. Vincent van Gogh. London: Macmillan, 1969. Print.