Colored Water - The World of Zach Babat
Posted by Pinhole at 10/19/2009 4:56 PM 
Categories: Barn Animals, Review, Humor, Arts
Tags: Review Humor
Categories: Barn Animals, Review, Humor, Arts
Tags: Review Humor
Love has grown weary from over exertion. The word, I mean. The concept actually lost all relevance in the Sixties, about the time Coca Cola decided they’d like to buy the entire world an ice-cold beverage. It’s far too common to hear someone mention their “love” of the late Farrah Fawcett’s hair, a particular movie, or French fries, and in the same breath proclaim an unending affection for their children. I always wonder how much therapy is required when said child realizes his or her parents are as passionate about them as they are a crisp golden potato wedge.
”Miracle” is another term that in the 21st Century is faced with quite a task in living up to its PR. From an unexplained medical phenomenon to the underdog high school sports team kicking the winning home run in the last lap, some would rather believe in supernatural intervention than give thought to a rational cause or lurking talent. And everyone knows that Miracle Whip is really nothing but tangy mayonnaise.
So what Zach Babat accomplishes with some pigment and a little H²O might best be described as “affinity”. A term not thrown around near casually enough, in my opinion. Mr. Babat paints an understanding of his subjects. Not satisfied to capture an image, his brush dips into the history, character and surroundings of the wildlife represented.
With mesmerizing technique and an instinctive use of light, Babat creates moments, not just paintings. He works his way into the world of the animal and invites us along. I encountered a grizzly once in the wild and found it invigorating. In fact, it invigorated the bejesus out of me.
Babat’s paintings have a similar effect on me. So many aspects of the work attack your senses it becomes difficult to look away. With each viewing a new discovery is made. With luck, we become invigorated, attuned and slightly overwhelmed. If your experience takes you even deeper into the soul of the animal, well then, that’s some incredibly tangy mayonnaise.
I have a great affinity for invigoration, but I love a miracle finish to a ball game!
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There is such a thing? I thought it was a miracle if they finished at all.
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Thanks for highlighting this artist, Pinhole. He does some very interesting stuff.
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He does, doesn't he?
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Fantastic stuff you've got here. It's a real treat to read.
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I mean, quality post. Well done. New Mah Jong for gamers plus awesome Hidden objects games try, and new Boxing Games, Hoops Mania.
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I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.
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Write more often
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