Analyzing The Meaning Of Art

Name the painting above and its artist. How would a Structuralist view this painting? How would a Non-Structuralist view this painting?

A Structuralist would argue that the painting is of a grain stack in a natural landscape. A Non-Structuralist would argue that the grain stack has a symbolic meaning. Symbolic meanings could include, the grain stack as a symbol of peasant life, the importance of the setting, or the specific color.

Look at the artwork above closely. Describe how both a Structuralist and a Non-Structuralist might describe this piece of art.

A Structuralist would likely see a plant like image on a blank background, with leaves and some type of buds. On the buds, a mask or clown head appears to have bloomed. The head has human physical features, and looks like its face is painting white with a collar of some type around its neck. A Non-Structuralist would believe there was imagery and symbolism. The plant could represent life or living, and the people or lives that grow and then die, and the lives yet to come to the world. The clown or figures face may represent a person or group, perhaps one which is misunderstood or disliked, based on the look of sadness and despair visible in the face. There are many theories that could be said, however the main difference is that a Non-Structuralist would insist that there is symbolism and not just reality.

Explain the difference between autobiography and biography.

Autobiography is any artwork that express something about the artist's life. Biography expresses the artist's life and personality through his/her works of art.

Define Deconstruction. Provide an example of a famous painting that incorporated deconstruction.

Deconstruction is a branch of analysis that questions traditional assumptions about what we see, think, or do (reality). A famous example is Olympia, by Edouard Manet.

Define Psychoanalysis. Why might an artist choose to use this method of art?

Psychoanalysis is a method that considers the underlying unconscious meaning of an artwork. The artist may use this method it he/she wishes to convey a certain image, but feels that the use of symbols will best conveys a desired message to the observer.

Explain the difference between Structuralism and Non-Structuralism.

Structuralism relies on the concept that interpretations should not focus on signs and symbols, but rather analyze the piece for what it is. Non-Structuralism refers to how the art relates to the artists personal concept of self.

Name the piece, artist, and type of art. What symbolism do you observe in this piece and what could it tell us about the artist? What were the intentions of this artist?

The piece is called Masquerade, by Frida Kahlo. It is an example of an autobiography. Answer will vary but may include the following: In the painting we see the vines closing in around her neck, a black eagle, the darkness of the vegetation, and the animals on either side of her in the background. All of these symbols represent a feeling pain and difficult perhaps of the artist life in general, or of a certain part of it. The look on her face is sorrowful and yet determined. Frida Kahlo used her art to express the pain she experienced in her life as a result of being an abused woman.

Name the subject of the sculpture, its artist. In comparison with other sculptures of this Biblical figure, what can be observed? Why do differences exist among artwork when using the subject matter?

The sculpture is of David, by Bernini. In comparison to other sculptures of David, Bernini sculpted David in an active pose, in the middle of combat, while others have sculpted David in a relaxed way. The differences are most likely because of the view each artist has, based on cultural, economic, and political circumstances that exist at the time in which they created their art.

What was the controversy involving this painting

This painting was controversial because it created something that at first looks like classical nude painting, but through the use of symbols actually shows the poor conditions of women in France at the time and criticizes how women were treated in French society by the majority of the male population.

Name the artwork above and its artist. Describe what you observe when you look at the piece and the intentions of the artist when he/she created this piece.

This piece is by Rene Magritte, entitled, The Son of Man. Answer will vary but may include the following: When we look at this, we can identify that there is a man dressed in a long suit and hat with a piece of fruit in front of his face. This piece makes us feel uncomfortable. Based on the title and the setting, this painting might be alluding to the biblical story of creation and the apple ate by the first man and woman, which went against God's instructions. This use of imagery and symbolism could perhaps imply the presence of temptation in a modern setting. Man have always been, and always will be faced with temptations, and decisions between right and wrong.