Michael Godard’s Olives Take on the Masters of Art
Many classic art enthusiasts would covet the chance witness the creation of the “Mona Lisa” or Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” Michael Godard takes collectors back to those historical moments—with a twist.
Like other artists, Godard has been influenced by the great artists. As a tribute to these artistic giants, he created a series of limited-edition works exclusively for Park West, depicting some of his favorite masters as quirky olives who enjoy cocktails.
Check out Godard’s take on the artists that “olive” us recognize, including:
Leonardo da Vinci
“Da Vinci Window” (2015), Michael Godard
Arguably one of the greatest minds in human history, Da Vinci was an artist, inventor and scientist. Godard is openly fascinated by Da Vinci, making him an easy choice for his masters series with his “Da Vinci’s window” artwork.
Godard’s olive Da Vinci is playing a word puzzle for geniuses, a reference to Godard’s love of puzzles. He even puts his twist on Da Vinci’s famous “Mona Lisa,” revealing the reason behind her mysterious smile is because she is enjoying a martini.
Da Vinci developed “mirror writing,” a type of shorthand he invented when taking personal notes. Godard replicates this style of writing in his version of “The Vitruvian Man.” Observant viewers may notice Goddard’s take on the classic work of art is a self-portrait. If collectors take the artwork and hold it to a mirror, the painting reveals a hidden message.
“In my family, you were either clever or a target, so I try to be more on the clever side,” he says. “I enjoy the little things of watching someone as they look at one of my paintings and watch the story evolve.”
Other references include a portrait and models of flying machines. References to the Freemasons and Illuminati hint at the rumors of Da Vinci belonging to both secret societies.
“The more you look, the more you will find,” Godard says.
Salvador Dali
“Dali” (2010), Michael Godard
One of the most well-known artists of modern times, Dali created highly-detailed masterpieces of surrealism that matched his equally eclectic personality.
Elephants are a recurring theme in the art of Dali, often depicted with spindly legs. In Godard’s homage “Dali,” his olive Dali humorously uses a hefty elephant model as the basis for one of these paintings.
“So here we see one of [Dali’s] sexy models posing for his newest painting,” Godard says.
Godard includes a striking portrait of Dali on the studio wall. A melting clock, one of Dali’s most iconic themes, is seen drooping from a close hanger.
Vincent van Gogh
“Van Gogh Dark” (2015), Michael Godard
Godard’s tribute to Van Gogh, “Van Gogh Dark,” hearkens to the artist’s later years. Considered an artistic genius, and Godard pays tribute to the influential artist by depicting some of his more famous works.
“This was my excuse to paint ‘Starry Night,’” Godard says, smiling. “It’s also an excuse to do his self portrait.”
Godard references the infamous story of Van Gogh cutting off his ear on December 23, 1888. Bandages on the olive Van Gogh indicate his missing ear. Upon closer inspection, the ear can be seen strategically nailed to the portrait of Van Gogh.
To collect these works and more, contact out gallery consultants at (800) 521-9654 ext. 4 or sales@parkwestgallery.com. Be sure to view the “Lights, Camera, Olives!” online collection, available October 8 – November 18, 2016.
