Charlie Mackesy, 21st Century Master?
It is widely touted that Vincent van Gogh never sold a painting during his lifetime. Whether this is actually true or not does not alter the fact that although he died almost unknown to world he has gone on, in little over 100 years, to become one of the most famous painters in history. His works now fetch astronomical sums leaving them outside the grasp of all but the very wealthy.
If you could go back now to the 19th Century you’d snap up a few of his works no doubt but as that is not likely to be happening any time soon you may want to consider artists currently alive and with growing reputations. Artists who have suc a gift that in due course they may be held in such high esteem. One such artist is the English painter Charlie Mackesy.
Originally a cartoonist, don’t be expecting to see any of his stuff on pop up display stands at the comic book store. His works came to the attention of a wider audience when his ability to capture movement and light was noted and presented in London to an enthusiastic audience. His religious paintings and drawings were such as to leave most people that saw them genuinely moved and it was this ability to touch people emotionally through his art that lead to numerous important commissions for individuals and churches.
With his work now displayed alongside those of Prince Charles, Nelson Mandela and others in London and beyond and with buyers such as Sting and Whoopi Goldberg quietly purchasing his works it may be a very wise time to consider looking more deeply at his art. With his works now commanding 5 figure sums and rising it may in fact be the last time they are available to the general public at what would be considered still ’reasonable’.
To see Charlie’s work see his website here: http://www.charliemackesy.com/