John Beard - Mercedes II

"Mercedes II," a silkscreen by John Beard, is a superb combination of abstraction and contemporary pop art. The artwork, made in 1988 (in a limited edition of 50 works and one artist proof), illustrates Beard's personal approach to his artistic practice, in which he combines semi-abstraction with aspects of historical references and modern society. The large format silkscreen is a dynamic composition that confronts our perceptions through a study of shape, colour, and texture.

"Mercedes II" is distinguished for its rich complexity and forceful use of colour. The dominant colours of grey, yellow, and gold create a sharp contrast, with the gold strokes lending a sense of movement and energy to the composition. The abstract figures appear to float and interact in the area, producing a sense of dimension and motion. The inclusion of familiar but disassociated abstracted objects, such as a sarcophagus silhouette and a sculptural form, grounds the piece in reality while pushing the boundaries of abstraction.

The "Mercedes" series (along with three other silkscreen works created by Beard in this style and this artwork being the second in the series) can be interpreted as a dialogue with the abstract expressionist movement, specifically the works of artists such as Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns, who incorporated elements of popular culture into their abstract compositions. Beard, like Rauschenberg, uses a collage-style method, stacking various textures and forms to produce a complex, multifaceted visual experience. Beard's use of screen printing is also consistent with Andy Warhol's pop art methods, in which the material becomes an important aspect of the artwork's statement.

Beard was a talented printer, but he preferred to paint. Despite being unique in his body of work, "Mercedes II" demonstrates Beard's ability to combine several artistic styles and mediums into a unified and intriguing work of art. His use of semi-abstraction enables a subtle investigation of modern subjects, making his work both cognitively and artistically engaging.

In the broader context of modern art, John Beard's "Mercedes II" demonstrates abstract art's continued significance and versatility. Beard produces a distinct visual language that resonates with a broad audience, cementing his position as a significant figure in the art world.