Charlandism is a geographical site-based art style created by painter Robert John of Matthew. Charles Island is a half-mile off the coast of Milford, Connecticut. The history of the island is tragic and complex which evokes the following themes of Charlandism:
1. Tombolo. 2. Reverence for the manitous. 3. Burying things. 4. Drowning on a bright summer day. 5. The Chicken Lady of Silver Sands and the revenge of her ghost. 6. Andrew Sanford's PTSD. 7.Captain Kid's Karma. 8. Hurricanes, 9. Smallpox and the 46. 10. Finding redemption in a sunrise gathering.

​

"Flying up the east coast, I looked out the plane window and saw Charles Island below. I noticed the contours of the island  resembles the shape of the human brain in profile. The sandbar is the brainstem and spinal cord. For those that know me, I have been drawing brains for years due to my interest in neurology and psychology. This is the inspiration for my oil painting, CHARLES ISLAND on MY MIND." RD Charlandism Robert John of Mattew