As the world grapples with political turmoil, a columnist suggests turning to the art of John Constable for solace. The English landscape painter, born on June 11, 1776, is celebrated for his meteorologically accurate clouds, which art historian Henry Fuseli said make viewers instinctively reach for rainwear. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Constable's birth, with exhibitions underway in England and Australia, and a wealth of online content exploring his work.
The column argues that Constable's appreciation of clouds offers a necessary escape from current events, highlighting the enduring beauty of nature compared to transient human conflicts. It notes that the poet Billy Collins, in his poem 'Student of Clouds,' emphasizes how Constable's art sensitizes viewers to the wonder of clouds everywhere, from English meadows to Australian skies.
The author, a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society, reflects on Canberra's cloudless days, wondering how Constable might have reacted. While the painter never left England, the column suggests he might have become a student of blue skies, noting the many shades of blue in Australian skies.
To further the therapeutic theme, the column shares Andrea Cohen's poem 'Cloud Study,' which whimsically asks how clouds learn to be clouds, suggesting they study Constable's work and adopt the 'never look down' mantra of high-wire performers. The author even prompted AI to write a poem based on this idea, resulting in the phrase 'vast acrobats of air.'
The column concludes by urging Australians to look up from their devices and appreciate the clouds, echoing Constable's legacy of finding beauty in the sky.
