Develop a vocabulary for criticizing, evaluating, and describing works of art. For this competency, you will assume the role of a critic. View each piece of work listed below and analyze it as a piece of art, identifying key elements of the work and using terminology common to the discipline. Using a few concise paragraphs for each piece, your analysis should discuss each work as a critic would and include, using the proper vocabulary, what you think the work is about. Purchase the answer to view it
As a critic, it is essential to have a well-developed vocabulary that allows for the effective criticism, evaluation, and description of works of art. This vocabulary should encompass key elements of the work and employ terminology that is commonly used in the discipline. In this assignment, we will be analyzing several pieces of art and discussing them in the role of a critic.
The first work of art that we will analyze is “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh. This iconic painting, created in 1889, is oil on canvas and measures 29 x 36 1/4 inches. The piece depicts a dream-like scene of a village beneath a swirling night sky. The use of vibrant blues and yellows creates a sense of movement and intensity.
One key element of “Starry Night” is the artist’s use of brushwork. Van Gogh employed a swirling technique, known as impasto, to give the painting a textured and energetic quality. This technique is particularly evident in the depiction of the stars and the cypress tree in the foreground. The composition of the painting also contributes to its overall impact. The village is placed in the lower half of the canvas, while the sky takes up the majority of the upper portion. This asymmetrical arrangement draws the viewer’s attention to the dramatic sky, intensifying the emotional impact of the work.
In terms of subject matter, “Starry Night” is believed to be a portrayal of the artist’s emotional state. Van Gogh painted this piece during his time in a mental institution, and it is often interpreted as a reflection of his inner turmoil. The swirling sky and the stark contrast between the dark village and the vibrant stars suggest a sense of emotional turbulence and isolation. Overall, “Starry Night” is a powerful and emotive work of art that showcases van Gogh’s unique style and his ability to convey intense emotions through his brushwork and composition.
The second work of art that we will analyze is “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dali. Created in 1931, this painting is oil on canvas and measures 9 1/2 x 13 inches. “The Persistence of Memory” is a surrealistic work that depicts a barren landscape with melting clocks and a variety of other surreal objects. The use of muted colors, such as browns and blues, adds to the dream-like quality of the painting.
One key element of this work is Dali’s use of symbolism. The melting clocks, for example, are often interpreted as a representation of the fleeting nature of time. They appear limp and distorted, seemingly defying the laws of physics. This subversion of reality is a characteristic feature of surrealism and adds to the enigmatic nature of the painting. Another notable element is Dali’s attention to detail. The painting is meticulously executed, with every object rendered with precision and realism. This attention to detail creates a sense of heightened reality, further emphasizing the surreal elements of the composition.
“The Persistence of Memory” is often interpreted as a reflection on the nature of time and the fragility of human existence. The melting clocks and barren landscape suggest a world out of balance, a world where the passage of time is distorted and unpredictable. Dali’s use of surrealistic imagery invites the viewer to question their perceptions of reality and contemplate the mysteries of existence.
In conclusion, both “Starry Night” and “The Persistence of Memory” are significant works of art that evoke a range of emotions and contemplation. Van Gogh’s expressive brushwork and intense use of color in “Starry Night” create a feeling of emotional turbulence, while Dali’s use of surreal imagery in “The Persistence of Memory” invites the viewer to question the nature of reality and the passage of time. These works demonstrate the power of art to elicit strong impressions and engage the audience in a meaningful dialogue.