Streams in the Wasteland

by Josh Tiessen, Terry W. Glaspey (Introduction), Zac Tiessen (Composer)

• Signed Gallery Edition Hardcover Book, 10.5" x 10.5" x 1"
• CD Album, 4-panel with Booklet

Streams in the Wasteland is a dynamic body of work completed by artist Josh Tiessen over the course of six years. In the style of Narrative Hyper-Surrealism these exquisitely crafted oil paintings depict nature’s reclamation. In them, wild animals have dominion over human civilizations, implicating humankind for ignoring the Creator’s call to care for the earth. The artist's desire is to offer streams of hope within the apocalyptic wasteland. Exhibited across multiple gallery shows, for the first time the entire Streams in the Wasteland series is presented in this luxurious hardcover monograph book. Tiessen’s articulate synopsis explains the series, with informative commentary and humourous anecdotes accompanying each of the full-colour images, reflecting on the environmental and spiritual themes behind his work. While viewing the art, the experience is enhanced by listening to the Streams in the Wasteland (Original Soundtrack), composed by musician Zac Tiessen.

132 pages, Hardcover

Published April 3, 2021

Reviews

[Amanda Cicero · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Josh's work has always blown me away with every new piece he creates; his blend of hyper-realism and surrealism in this series of work is absolutely astonishing. It was a pleasure viewing the Streams In The Wasteland series in it's entirety while getting to read into Josh's artistic journey, creative process, as well as the thoughts and themes behind each painting. The level of detail in each piece is incredible, the unique shape of each canvas is also very interesting, and the commentary leaves you reflecting on different environmental impacts from humans, and the desperate need for change from humanity to take better care of and preserve our beautiful planet. Even if you are not a particularly spiritual person, you can find joy in reading about each of these works and the meaning behind them.

Taking the viewing experience to a higher level, accompanying the book is also an album of 17 original soundtracks composed by Josh's brother and fellow prodigy, Zac Tiessen. Listening to these beautiful orchestral songs that fit each painting, invokes a whole new level of feelings while reading the book. My personal favourite, "Near Oblivion", features the sounds of traditional Chinese instruments that are soothing to the ear and make you feel both relaxed and optimistic.

Overall, Streams In The Wasteland is a breathtaking collaborative collection of work by 2 impressively young and truly gifted brothers. 10/10 I highly recommend to anyone!

[Terry Tiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh Tiessen is a widely recognized painter of animals, and he is very creative in regard to the settings in which he places them. The particular series which Tiessen has presented in this book, is further distinctive for the way in which Tiessen has drawn on themes in the Bible. My own expertise is theological rather than artistic, and I am very favorably impressed with the biblical scholarship which Tiessen brings to his artwork. This makes his paintings complex and meaningful in rich and varied ways. The description Tiessen provides in this book will enhance significantly the experience of viewers who would otherwise come to the works ignorant of much which could deepen their contemplation of the paintings.

[Michael Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a local artist I had the honour to read a draft copy of Josh Tiessen’s newest creation “Streams in the Wasteland”. It is an exploration of some of the world’s wildlife’s struggles from careless humans. Josh’s blend of surrealism and hyperrealism is woven together with an exquisite textual journey of this battle incorporating references to sacred texts and Josh’s own heritage.
This latest book of Josh’s contains seventeen glorious paintings and is accompanied by an original musical creation CD by his brother Zac providing an ethereal soundtrack.
Michael W. Weaver, Artist, GrimsbyLPAA

[Sarah Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful. The pictures are incredible - you can get lost for hours in each one. And then the reflections accompanying each painting are so meaningful and important. The music accompanying each piece by the author's brother is the icing on the cake. It's a fantastic book. (I had a pre-released version so that's why I have already seen it even though it's n/a for a little longer)

[Leena Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of art and accompanying instrumental music CD is something so fresh and innovative, I just love it! I keep going back to it, listening to the songs that go with each of the incredibly detailed paintings, and reading the interesting stories that go with them while the music plays. It is truly interactive and inspiring, I highly recommend it!