The Use of Impasto in Contemporary Art: Meaning, Techniques, and Impact

To me, impasto enables rich, buttery, painterly brushstrokes that don't conceal the process of art making. More importantly, the medium and technique enable depth in my conceptual frameworks.

Impasto, the Italian word for "paste," refers to a painting technique where thick layers of paint are applied to the canvas, creating a textured, almost sculptural effect. While impasto has a long history in the world of art, its use in contemporary art is rich with meaning, experimentation, and innovation. From the thick, tactile surfaces pioneered by artists like Rembrandt to modern interpretations in contemporary practice, impasto continues to captivate artists and viewers alike. In this blog post, we'll explore how impasto is used in contemporary art, its symbolic meanings, and, its role in pushing the boundaries of what painting can achieve today and how it plays in conceptual interpretations. I love the use of impasto techniques in my work in the rich painterly brush strokes that I achieve and the connotations in conceptual frameworks.

Detail of Vergeet my nie in progress with rich impasto brush strokes

A Brief History of Impasto and recognising the technique

Although impasto as a technique can be traced back to the Renaissance, it became particularly prominent during the Baroque period through the works of artists like Rembrandt and Caravaggio, who used it to add depth, light, and emotional intensity to their paintings. In the 19th and 20th centuries, impasto saw renewed use in the works of artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Jackson Pollock, where it played a key role in expressing emotion, energy, and movement.

In contemporary art, however, impasto has evolved beyond its traditional use. Artists are no longer bound by conventional ideas of surface and texture. The heavy, almost tactile layers of paint are being explored in fresh ways, not only to convey emotion and depth but also as a medium for exploring contemporary ideas and pushing artistic boundaries. Scientifically, the development of art media has enabled the breaking of further boundaries.

Impasto's impact and techniques as a Medium of Expression

One of the most significant reasons contemporary artists use impasto is to convey emotion and intensity. The thick application of paint creates a physical texture that invites a visceral reaction from the viewer. For me, the impasto technique, in a way, makes the emotional charge of the work tangible. For example, in my practice, the act of applying thick, uneven paint symbolizes the raw energy of the creative process and highlights the painterly interpretation of my conceptual framework.

In contemporary art, artwork can blur the boundaries between painting and sculpture. The thickness of the paint on the canvas can give the work an almost sculptural quality, where one finds that the physical texture adds another layer of meaning. The texture of the paint can suggest the weight of memory, the accumulation of history, or even the passage of time. It really comes down to the artists' intention in their practice in the layers of meaning impasto adds in contemporary art these days.

Impasto and Materiality in Contemporary Art

In contemporary art, the use of impasto often transcends mere aesthetic appeal. It becomes a commentary on materiality—the physical properties of the materials artists use. For instance, artists may deliberately manipulate the texture and surface of the paint to highlight its medium-specific qualities. By pushing the material to its limits, impasto becomes more than just an aesthetic choice; it becomes a way to interrogate the very nature of painting itself.

Some contemporary artists layer impasto in abstract, dynamic compositions that represent complex, multi-layered stories. In this case, the use of thick paint emphasizes the physicality of the artwork, inviting viewers to interact with the texture and consider the surfaces they typically overlook. Through this, impasto becomes a medium to investigate the relationship between form, surface, and the emotions invoked by those surfaces.

Impasto and the Physicality of Painting

In my practice, one of the most fascinating aspects of contemporary impasto painting is the physicality of the process which I am obsessed with. The technique involves an almost performative act—painting becomes an expressive, embodied action. The creative process and physical interaction with the paint and canvas are often just as important as the final image itself. Each brushstroke that I apply shows as opposed to being blended and concealed as in other painting techniques. The act of painting with thick, bold strokes I view as an emotional layering where the process of creating art takes over and time stands still.

In contemporary art, artists often embrace the gestural aspect of impasto to communicate not just what they are painting, but how they are feeling in the moment. The heavy texture of the paint creates a direct connection between the artist’s gestures and the viewer’s experience. The brushstrokes left behind are traces of the artist’s actions, transforming the painting into a physical record of time, motion, and emotion.

The impact of Impasto in My Practice

The meaning, techniques and, impact of impasto contemporary art

In addition to emotional expression and physicality, impasto work in my practice is a conceptual tool. I use paint in thick swathes that reference the passage of time, the connection of sky and earth, the accumulation of experiences, and the marks we leave behind, both physically and metaphorically.

Artwork in progress from the Sit Still series, featured here is Documenting the Unspoken

The Role of Impasto in Mixed Media and Installation Art

Impasto is not confined to traditional painting alone. Contemporary artists are incorporating the impasto technique into mixed media and installation art, adding depth and texture to a variety of materials. By combining thick paint with non-traditional materials—such as fabric, metal, glass, and found objects—artists are creating rich, multi-layered works that break down the boundaries between media.

Artists often layer materials to create works that address both personal narratives and larger societal issues. In their works, impasto is integrated into a web of textures and forms, transforming painting into a physical and conceptual structure. This allows the viewer to move around the piece and interact with its depth in new ways, bringing a dynamic sense of engagement to the artwork.

Impasto’s Impact on the Viewer

The impact of impasto on the viewer is significant because it invites tactile engagement and creates an immediate, sensory experience. The thick, textured layers of paint seem to demand a more intimate, physical response. The texture can evoke a sense of presence - as if the viewer is able to "feel" the artist’s emotions and the passage of time embedded in the work.

Impasto also plays with light—its surface can reflect or absorb light in different ways, creating a constantly changing experience depending on the viewer's angle. This dynamic, shifting quality makes the painting feel alive and constantly evolving, mirroring the ever-changing nature of contemporary life.

Meaning: Impasto in Contemporary Art—More Than Just Texture

In contemporary art, impasto is far more than just a decorative technique; it’s a powerful tool for expression, material exploration, and conceptual inquiry. Whether it's used to create emotional depth, challenge the boundaries of painting, or comment on social and cultural issues, impasto has proven itself to be a versatile and meaningful medium in the hands of contemporary artists.

The tactile and physical nature of impasto draws viewers into a more intimate, sensory relationship with the artwork. It’s a technique that transcends visual representation, inviting people to engage with the very materiality of art itself—making impasto not just a visual experience, but a profound, emotional one as well.

Impasto technique bodies of work in progress

My series titled Sit still which is currently in progress embodies impasto notions for many of the above concepts. I love how the rich use of painterly brushstrokes mimic the process of building up layers and capturing movement as in the ever-changing atmospheric movements of the earth.

If you would like the catalogue and viewing details of the body of work once it is completed, you can send an email to info@jmlr.co.za