Kurt Wenner The Pioneer of 3D Pavement Art

Good morning friends.

We are thrilled to have Kurt Wenner featured on “The Good News Channel” today. Kurt is arguably the best 3D Street Artist in the World. When you see his work in this story you’ll see why he earned that status. He has painted 3D images all over the world. Kurt literally makes streets come alive with his 3D painting. Its hard to believe these images he paints are actually flat on the ground but they are.

1. Dies Irae was my first signature work introducing 3D pavement art as a new art form. It was done in Mantua, Italy, where I lived for 18 years.

Kurt is from Santa Barbara, California. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design and Art Center College of Design. From there he went to work for NASA as a space illustrator. Now how many people can say that ? Very impressive to say the least. In 1982 he left NASA and headed to Italy to embrace classical art. Kurt had a specific interest in Renaissance classicism, he was very drawn to how people drew 500 plus years back in comparison to how they were drawing in the 20 Century at that time. Wenner invented a new geometry to create compositions that appear to rise from, or fall into the ground.

2. The Flying Carpet
This image shows my 10-year-old son and a young friend posing on the carpet. It was done during the Corpus Christi holiday in Bettona, Italy, where we lived for six years. Checkout Kurt’s book; “Asphalt Renaissance; The Pavement Art and 3-D Illusions Of Kurt Wenner”

In 1984 Kurt invented 3D Pavement art which today has several names tied to it; 3D Chalk Art, 3D Street Art, 3D Sidewalk are and so on and so on. If you see a 3D image in the street its roots can be drawn back to Kurt Wenner. He invented a new geometry to create compositions that appear to rise from, or fall into the ground. That geometry is now known as ” Wenner’s hyperbolic perspective.” Now let’s hear from Kurt himself below;

3. Greenpeace Million Signatures
A million signatures were gathered in Europe to halt the introduction of genetically modified organisms, (GMOs), into the European agricultural environment. The names were printed on the border of the work, which measured 22 meters (72 feet) in diameter.

From Kurt himself; I am an American artist, although I have spent half my life in Italy. I work within the tradition of European classicism and create original architectural designs, paintings, sculpture and decoration. I work in numerous media and venues, but am best known for inventing 3-dimensional pavement art. This very popular art form has become a global and Internet phenomenon, inspiring many artists as well as the public.

4. Office Stress
This contemporary piece shows an ironic vision of the perils of office work. It is seen outside of a government building in Mantua, Italy, where actual bureaucrats did their work. Checkout Kurt’s book; “Asphalt Renaissance; The Pavement Art and 3-D Illusions Of Kurt Wenner”

My interest in Renaissance classicism started with the simple desire to draw well. I was struck by the vast difference between how students and teachers drew in the 20th Century and the way artists drew 500 years ago. It seemed to me that artists of the past had abilities far beyond those of today.

5. The Picnic. The work was created for an event called “The Big Lunch”, a United Kingdom event where neighbors get together on a specific day for lunch. The event counted an astounding 4.83 million participants in 2014!

My curiosity about this discrepancy took me to Rome in order to seek out and master drawing and painting within the “language” of western classicism. During this time I isolated myself from 20th century art in order to explore the ideals and concepts practiced in earlier centuries. It has since become an ongoing mission to rediscover classical traditions and communicate them to a contemporary audience.

Kurt Working in Herald Square, NYC

My paintings invite rediscovery of many artistic traditions, and I enjoy incorporating mythology, allegory, literature, and theater into the compositions. I find that even if a viewer cannot reference the story they sense that one exists and become engaged, curious to learn more.

6. The Moneypit. This composition, done in London’s Waterloo station, used a side panel and was executed in stereoscopic 3D. When viewed through Color-code glasses, the money appears to float in the air. Checkout Kurt’s book; “Asphalt Renaissance; The Pavement Art and 3-D Illusions Of Kurt Wenner”

I particularly like to challenge my audience with a wealth of allusions — historical, stylistic, and perceptual. While some viewers recognize and appreciate the content, others admire the richly embellished surfaces or technical ability. I especially enjoy working on large pieces that “encompass” the viewer.

7. A Millionaire’s Life
Done in Singapore’s Changi airport, the image shows the luxury lifestyle awaiting the lucky winner of their lottery.

By combining painting with sculpture and architecture, I force them to interact in new ways that often blurs the distinction between them. The traditional appearance of my work is my strongest illusion, as it obscures the bold and original use of perspective I employ.

8. The Circus Parade. Created for the Sarasota chalk festival, home of the Ringling museum, the 20 by 60 foot image was executed by a team of the world’s most talented pavement artists. Checkout Kurt’s book; “Asphalt Renaissance; The Pavement Art and 3-D Illusions Of Kurt Wenner”

My artistic motivation is to rediscover, transform, and share insights from the past. I have been fortunate to be able to share my work with millions of people and hope that it will inspire artists and the public to delve into the patrimony of European Art so they can find the wealth of ideas that is so often hidden with the passage of time.

9. Shangrilá. This multi-panel composition was designed for a one-man show in Jakarta, Indonesia, which featured 11 large illusions.

10. The Pearls of Dubai. A composition recounting the history of pearl fishing in Dubai features Sheik Mohammed and Crown Prince Hamdan, called (Fazza). Checkout Kurt’s book; “Asphalt Renaissance; The Pavement Art and 3-D Illusions Of Kurt Wenner”

11. On San Juan Island. Taking a walk on the Wintery beach near my home on San Juan Island.

Friends we will close with this. I had several correspondences with Kurt and his wife to put this story together. And despite being the best 3D Pavement Artist in the world who has a very tight schedule, they could not have been more polite and gracious. Sammy & Family thank the Wenners for joining us today. It was an honor to run this feature. To continue to follow Kurt’s projects, below are the links to his website and social media platforms.

Kurt’s website; http://kurtwenner.com/

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/KurtWenner?fref=ts

Twitter; https://twitter.com/KurtWenner

1. Dies Irae was my first signature work introducing 3D pavement art as a new art form. It was done in Mantua, Italy, where I lived for 18 years.

2. The Flying Carpet This image shows my 10-year-old son and a young friend posing on the carpet. It was done during the Corpus Christi holiday in Bettona, Italy, where we lived for six years. Checkout Kurt’s book; “Asphalt Renaissance; The Pavement Art and 3-D Illusions Of Kurt Wenner”

3. Greenpeace Million Signatures A million signatures were gathered in Europe to halt the introduction of genetically modified organisms, (GMOs), into the European agricultural environment. The names were printed on the border of the work, which measured 22 meters (72 feet) in diameter.

4. Office Stress This contemporary piece shows an ironic vision of the perils of office work. It is seen outside of a government building in Mantua, Italy, where actual bureaucrats did their work. Checkout Kurt’s book; “Asphalt Renaissance; The Pavement Art and 3-D Illusions Of Kurt Wenner”