In my opinion, my identity is who I am but it is also who I can relate to. Moreover, constructing an identity is just a pathway to authenticity. In other words, I believe that when you construct your identity through art, not only that you are expressing yourself but you are also telling your story. A story that can only be properly told by you ONLY. What is so fascinating about art is the presumption and assumption that the viewers are left with. But sometimes, the imagery is so convincing that it would be unimaginable not to understand the artist.Throughout this post, you will see the work of the 5 artists from the constructing identity exhibit that caught my attention.
1) KEHINDE WILEY (b.1977).
Matar Mbaye (study 1), 2007
Before I went inside the museum I was already sure that I would be discussing Kehinde's work. I had previously done some research for my midterm project and I was inspired by his art. So I was really thrilled to see this particular piece because the young man in the photo is indeed from my country Senegal. Furthermore, Kehinde is making a bold statement by illustrating this dark skin young man with a bright and colorful background. I interpret this picture as black is ALSO beautiful. I have so much respect for this artist and now I am even prouder than ever. As John Berger suggested in ways of seeing page 11,"yet when an image is presented as a work of art, the way people look at it is affected by a whole series of learnt assumptions about art. Assumptions concerning: Beauty, Truth, Genius, Civilization, Form, Status, Taste, etc.".
2) LEONARD BASKIN (1922-2000).
Crazy horse, 1974
The story of native Americans are seldom told and this portrait reminds us that they are part of the American history and civilization. When I saw this painting, I immediately asked the question, who was this person and what did he do? Moreover, I was also paying close attention to the features of this person face. For example I knew he was a native American, but I was more curious about his tribe. I was wondering if he was a Cherokee or a Mohegan but he happens to be a Sioux. I have never heard of Crazy Horse before but now I know his story. When this portrait was made in 1974, it was merely viewed as an illustration of the man who killed general Custer. But nowadays, I believe that it is a wake up call for inclusion and it begs the question, Are American Indians forgotten?
As Berger mentioned, "Today we see the art of the past as nobody saw it before. We actually perceive it in a different way." (ways of seeing, p 16.).
3) ALICE NEEL (1900-1984)
Isabel Bishop, 1974
They say "age is nothing but a number", but aging is real because it is a phase that is irrefutable in life. Therefore, age does play a significant role in the realm of identities. To my mind, the portrait above is a constant reminder that we will all grow old, and eventually leave this earth. It is also worth noting that aging comes with health complications, and in this particular case, it is arthritis. It is a scary thing but we have to face it as we are getting older. I love the fact that Alice did not alter Isabel's appearance. It would have been unfair to omit that aspect of her identity. This painting is so simple yet thought provoking and it does corroborate with the following statement. "The compositional unity of a painting contributed fundamentally to the power of its image." ( ways of seeing, P13)
4) DEBORAH ROBERTS (b. 1962)
We heard the thunder, no. 5, 2017
The story behind this portrait is so heartbreaking but it needs to be told. A young black girl witnessed the murder of a black man by a police officer.The story of Philando Castille is another reminder of the hostility between law enforcement and the African American community. The artist is making a bold statement by enlarging the eye of the girl. In my opinion, she wants the viewers to see the girl but she also want them to imagine who or what is she looking at. In general terms, I notice a sense CULPABILITY because these shootings keep occurring and nothing has yet to be done. She definitely wants to raise awareness and keep the conversation going because often times similar situations are swept under the rug. This particular case gained attention only because it was streamed live of Facebook. As Berger argues,"every image embodies a way of seeing". (ways of seeing, p 10)
5) JAUNE Quick-to-See SMITH (B.1940)
What is an American?, 2003
The title of this exhibit speaks for itself. I wonder if we, along with our ancestors were all to go back where we came from, who will stay except the Native Americans. I think Jaune also wants us to look at the history of this country again. She does make a point when she says that tensions have simmered since 9/11. And I can't stress this point enough, Muslims are not terrorists. Those who use religion in order to justify their monstrous acts are extremists and should always be brought to justice. Additionally, the artist's imagination urges to look back and think about the blood that was shed during the 16th century. As Berger argues, "the more imaginative the work, the more profoundly it allows us to share the artst's experience of the visible." (ways of seeing, p 10)
No comments:
Post a Comment