Mural Arts – for the Connoisseurs

Arts and various styles of art have often been portrayed with varying importance over time. But the Mural arts have recently gained more prominence with the work of some great artists. Dating back from prehistoric times when murals were uncovered from the Chauvet Cave in southern France to the recent muralista art movement, mural arts have evolved over time and have gained different styles and techniques. This makes mural arts the oldest form of wall decoration for wall artists.

In modern days, mural arts have moved into limelight. Mural artists are usually commisioned to improve and enhance the interiors. This has been witnessed from the work of the early cave paintings to Roman frescos. The work of an artist who works on mural arts enables a view of the world within to the world outside. Mural arts are a delicate process, the key to which lies in the process of interpretation. Interpretation of dimensions of the work space, the light that filters through, the style chosen as well as the period of the space or the interiors are some of the considerations when a work is commissioned. It is also important to recognize that the artist needs to create and deliver a work that is unique to the owner.

Decorative arts on the other hand deals with manufacture, production and design of various functional objects. It traditionally does not deal with architectural aspects. Decorative arts come in many varieties. From ceramics arts otherwise known as pottery to glassware arts which include stained glass and studio glass to furniture, metal work, hard stone carving, textile arts and many more.

Trompe L’oeil, meaning that which deceives the eye, is an art technique that involves creating realistic images and art works that trick the eye. This is done through the effects of an optical illusion. This illusions gives the viewer that the work or the depicted object is portrayed in the three dimensional sphere. These works are popularly known to be used in the forced perspective method in architecture. It is often seen that the Trompe L’oeil art technique is employed in many mural art works.

It is rare to find an artist that employs all three art forms in their works. Richard Bagguley is one of the few in the world who does so. Based in London, UK he is an established artist with mural paintings in London and other parts of the United Kingdom. He shuttles between his studios in London and LA and is working in Europe, Asia and USA on other works under commission. He has spent two years in Istanbul on a work commissioned at the place. With over 25 years of experience working with decorative arts and an able consultant when it comes to matters of art, he has advised and guided clients in reaching the full potential of any project; be it large or small, commercial or private. He personally has worked on over 450 commissions in 7 countries.