Why did Lowry paint Matchstick Men?

Answer 1

Lowry saw life in a very geometric way, as lines and circles and without the pleasant roundness of the human form. If you look at the skeletal form, it is almost matchstick like and merely shows the framework of anchorage that we all need. That's what Lowry saw ... frameworks ....... basic constituents ........... basics ........ without basics, none of us would be here. Lowry recognised that and portrayed life as such. Essentially, as an artist, he was 'going back to basics' and simply latched onto that as his style, his uniqueness in art. It also echoed his stance that people were not important ( at least to him ) and they could then be painted as basic nothings, obviously there but not standing out in any way .... no individual beauty, no individuality, just basics.

Answer 2

The answer that someone has given;' he couldn't draw real ones' is a typical example of the ignorance that enshrouds Lowry and his work. If you look at his early work you will see that Lowry was capable of painting representational figures and portraits exceptionally well. There is a self portrait from the 1920's which shows his fine draughtsmanship and sensitive colouring. The reason Lowry uses matchstick men is partly to do with his Expressionist interests. The use of lines and simple expressive forms which show the 'inner life' of the artist. Expressionism is to do with expressing the artists feelings; it is less to do with ideas and representation for its own sake. The German Expressionists used jagged outlines and bright garish colours to express anxiety.

Answer 3

That was his style, consistently. He tried to capture people in numbers, as part of the landscape. He had a basic style, but it suited Manchester and Salford (I was brought up round there.)

Wikipedia describes him as:

Lowry is famous for painting scenes of life in the industrial districts of northern England during the early 20th century. He had a distinctive style of painting and is best known for urban landscapes peopled with many human figures ('matchstick men'). He tended to paint these in drab colours. He also painted mysterious unpopulated landscapes, brooding portraits, and the secret 'marionette' works (the latter only found after his death).

He is widely misperceived as an amateur and naïve 'Sunday painter'.

Answer 4

He wanted to show lots of people in a small space and try to show busy working class masses going to and from work. By drawing matchstick people he could get lots in his picture. It was a bit like how ants get everywhere.

Answer 5

The sad truth is his so called 'matchstick men' are simply the under-nourished working class.
If he was alive today, he'd have to change his style to cope with the epidemic of obesity.

Answer 6

Who else would look after the matchstick cats and dogs?

Answer 7

Artistic license.

Answer 8

He never could get the hang of hands and faces.

Answer 9

Disposable lighter men would have looked stupid.

Answer 10

He couldn't draw real ones.