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| http://englishbutlerartgallery.com/english/style/0409.jpg |
The photo above is an example of Representational art for certain reasons. One being is that it shows the lifestyle of two individuals. In addition, it is realistic that people can live on a farm but we aren't really sure if these are actually people with identity or not. Another reason why it is an example of Representational art is the expression on the individuals' faces. Notice how they are not smiling and have steady postures which indicates that they have no emotion or they do not enjoy their lives. The lady isn't looking at the direction the man is which probably has to do with something that caught her eye or she doesn't like having her picture taken. The colors and tones of the objects in this photo is realistic such as the sky, the trees, the skin color of the individuals, etc. Lastly, the pitch-fork in the man's hand represents how he does some job of cleaning hay on a farm which also gives a clue of where the setting takes place.
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| http://www.caku-art.com/image-files/abstract-art.jpg |
This photo is an example of Abstract art because it not only doesn't give away the central message of the painting, but it also gives us an idea of what it could be. For example, we know that the music note at the top-left corner has to do something with the painting and the guitar on the right side of the painting tells us that. Also, there are 3 trumpets positioned differently for a reason. Maybe because if you look closely, you are able to see a face in the middle that is playing these trumpets. The colors being used in this piece makes its abstract because there is no consistency. Thus, it keeps changing to grab the viewer's attention and to show that music changes throughout certain tempos and feelings. Even though I was able to identify the guitar, music notes and trumpets, the overall shapes in this piece shows a beginning of the artist's main focus. In result, the artist's gave some clues to the viewers that it had to deal with music but in a way where it wasn't obvious by adding various shapes and colors to the mix.
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| http://newcriterion.com:81/cm/images/Image/im02.jpg |
Symbolic
I chose this piece as Symbolic because this artist (Yue Minjun) did a series of paintings and sculptures which had smiles on them which results in naming the series "The Symbolic Smile". In this piece, there are different areas which cover symbolism. For example, the men are colored red with horns on the top of their head which represents the same being as the devil or demons. In addithon, we know from tales that the devil is red and has horns on its head. What fascinates me the most is the smile on these men. We aren't sure if its a good thing or a bad thing that these men are smiling that way but it makes the piece most entertaining. The smile can be a symbol of various reasons. One being that they are having a good time or they did something bad to something/someone which made them laugh. In conclusion, asmile is a symbol of happiness and in this painting, they are happy about something but we aren't quite sure of what because there is not enough details supporting the meaning.