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3 June 2019
Contrast Essay
Visual Analysis
Introduction
The two paintings I have chosen to compare and contrast for this essay are Mark Bradford’s ‘150 portrait tone’ and ‘Driving the World to Destruction’ by Judy Chicago. Both the paintings are rather painted in a contemporary style and illustrate features of abstract art; signifying characteristics of realism and displaying powerful messages through their work. However, the only difference is visible in the use of the themes and art techniques in these works of art. Mark Bradford's ‘150 Portrait Tone' 2017 was conceived after the Philando Castile shooting in 2016, it is a sobering reflection of power and representation, as to how a cop shot a civilian in spite of him following the orders, later to be found not guilty. The painting shows a visual depiction of communications of the victim’s girlfriend. The second work of art is known as ‘Driving the World to Destruction’ 1985 by Judy Chicago. It was painted to challenge and showcase the uncontrolled male dominance within society. It is a feminist depiction of power dynamics in the world.
Thesis Statement
The essay will explore significant similarities and differences in that both the paintings under the umbrella of abstract art, through a comprehensive analysis of the themes, techniques and the meanings these art pieces hold.
Discussion
Subject Matter
The first painting shows a series of dialogues and commentary by the victim's girlfriend that occurred during a hostile act of shooting an innocent man which was live streamed on Facebook. The mural shows the following dialogues on its canvas, “please, officer, don’t tell me that you just did this”; “Lord, please, Jesus, don’t tell me that he’s gone”; “please don’t tell me he just went like that”. The text is presented and painted above the color contrast and rushed image of blood and flesh. The second painting by Judy Chicago, ‘Driving the World to Destruction’ paints a half image of a muscular male with a destructive expression on his face. The masculine figure is leaning forward aggressively trying to control or steer a wheel. The half-nude body shows that muscular power is being forcefully exerted onto the mechanic steering. While a rush of a fiery constituent is overbearing the emblematic steering into a gushing rhythm.
Techniques
Mark Bradford’s ‘150 Portrait Tone’ is a horizontal scale painting 120x 120-inch dimensions, with layered colors and built with palpable density. The portrait is a depiction of rushed brushed strokes using pinkish tones to represent the color of flesh. Bradford uses acrylic paints with dark colors in the background and lighter shades of colors to highlight the forefront of the painting. The portrait is a mural with lines running back forth establishing the entirety of the painting. While on the other hand, Chicago uses a vertical scale with 108 x 168-inch dimensions. The painting uses shades with rigid and clear brush strokes to differentiate and distinguish between different elements in the portrait. She emphasizes on the figures by airbrushing the background. Chicago has used acrylic and oil paints on Belgian linen to paint the marvel. Chicago uses cartoonish expressions and colors in contrast between figures to demonstrate her feminist ideas.
Themes
The dialogues were heart-wrenching and created an empathetic impact people in the video had the power to evoke an emotional response in a number of people. Mark Bradford relays the emotional anxiety through the use of powerful and yet emotional words in his mural. Chicago in the second painting illustrates her perception of patriarchy, by symbolizing the male figure, which is painted muscular, signifying strength and power men imply in the world. The painting does not create a heroic impression of the male figure. She portrays the historical dominance of the masculine power over femininity and the affairs of society as an oppressive power. Chicago seems to develop an awareness of feminist notions through her work of art.
Analysis
Mark Bradford addresses objects into his works of art which do not belong there, he has used rather a poster style portrait with a message conveyed through the use of colors and words painted upon it. The use of dialogues in a painting is rather not a new technique in art, however, these specific dialogues represent the vice of injustice and helplessness the victim faced at the hands of those who had the authority to serve justice. This work of art registers a silent cry for the protest against tyranny in society.
‘Driving the World to Destruction’ is part of Power Play series, where Chicago highlights the patriarchal construction and interference within the working of the world and how masculinity has brought consequences upon themselves and the world as a result of this. The painting paints a reflection that patriarchy dominates authority and power in the world. It localizes patriarchy that is embodied in the violent and aggressive domination of men, through nature. The painting symbolizes the fear that is created through masculine identity which is inescapable.
Both paintings carry certain similarities as compared to differences illustrated in their comparisons. The two paintings have been identified as a contemporary abstract form of art. Although they were years apart, both represent freedom of thought and expression, the art prides itself upon. Both the painters come from the sociologically struggling groups within the society, gay and feminist schools of thought. They recognize the vital sensitivities that persist within the society such as injustice and vulnerabilities that individuals are exposed to. The two paintings illuminate and distinguish between irreversible realities of power dynamics such as patriarchy and authority representation within the general public. These works of art portray existential realities through the mediums of art. The portrayals of sensitivities in these paintings carry a social-emotional value that only those who have suffered can directly or indirectly relate to. This suggests that the individuals within the society can associate themselves with it. The painters have however used art as a platform to create awareness among masses regarding grave issues and especially those which go beyond mere paintings on the canvas.
Conclusion
The comparative analysis of the paintings in this essay shed light on the difference in the techniques, the portrayal of elements and the subject matter the artists are trying to portray. Both the paintings although being conceived decades apart are also very different from a viewers perspective. However, many may argue that visible differences of clarity and use of brush strokes make them different. The comparative analysis may still conclude that the foundation of the intent behind these paintings shares common ground.
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