The Two Fridas - Coursework Example

? The Two Fridas The style of the assigned work is Latin American modernism. This began in the late 1800s and lasted until 1950. It was a representation of the changes within the Spanish and Mexican region, as well as a break away from traditional methods of art. 2. Line is the shape which is created from a pen, pencil or other tool which moves from point A to point B. 3. The lines that are in the assigned work begin with the outlines of both Fridas. The lines are also used with the dresses and the prints that are on the dresses. These also show the differences between both Fridas, specifically because the outlines change with the top area. The heart, as well as the lines that connect both of the women together, are also used. It is the line that becomes the main attraction to the painting. 4. Shape is when a set of lines that outline a specific form, such as a circle or square. 5. The shape that is used in the assigned work helps to identify the way that the work is accented. The shapes of both women are similar, specifically to show the two Fridas as the same. The shapes in the background of the clouds also help to accent the two women. The difference in shape comes from the two hearts, specifically with one that is cut and the other which is like a new heart. The shape in this instance defines what the picture is about and gives the subject matter a different meaning. 6. Mass is a quantity of space or a specific area. 7. Mass is used with both the presence and absence of space. The clouds signify an absence of space. Even though there is color, it shows a lack of quantity. The two women hold the main mass, specifically because they identify the main subject matter and portrait. 8. Space is an area that carries a certain type of location within a given area. 9. Space is used with both positive and negative space. The positive space is identified as the two women as well as the bench which they are sharing. There is also a small amount of space with the vein that connects both. The negative space is around the women as a part of the background and is associated with the amount of room between the two women, which highlights the line as well. 10. Linear perspective is used with the heart vein that connects both women. However, atmospheric perspective is added into the background cloud and has color with the dresses of the women, as well as the light and dark between both women. This adds into the interpretation of the work. 11. Time and motion are used in the assigned work. The holding of hands, scissors and the skin, as well as the connected vein creates a sense of motion of what has happened between the two women, as the heart is transferred from one to another. 12. Light is used between the two women first. One is represented with white and with a lighter tone color while the one who has the replacement heart has a darker skin tone and darker dress. The clouds in the back and the background also have a darker contrast, making the white dress the lightest part of the piece. 13. Color is the different shades that are used with light and dark. 14. Color is used with combination to light and dark. White is used with the woman who cuts out her heart while darker colors are used for the woman that the heart is transferred to. The background colors use a gray and brown so this doesn’t stand out and so the red and white of the women and their hearts are the main contrast. 15. Texture is the material that is used to create a depth and feel to the art work. 16. Texture is used in the assigned work by contrasting the background with the front. The dresses have a lighter texture and long brush strokes while the background has circular and thicker dab of painting for a deeper texture, making the women stand out. B. 1. Unity in a work of art is the combined elements that fit together for a piece so there is a sense of consistency. 2. Variety in a work of art are the different colors, textures, lines and contrasting elements to create differences and changes within a piece of art. 3. Variety is combined with unity to draw the eye to a specific part and portrait. The variety helps a specific figure to stand out while the unity combines different parts to highlight the main point in the art work. 4. The first type of balance in art work is symmetrical. This occurs when everything is measured in half and is equal on every side. The second type is asymmetrical, which includes an imbalance or disproportion on each side. 5. The art work uses asymmetrical principles. When looking at the Frida in white, it can be seen that she is larger and takes up a larger portion than on the left. This is further seen with the hand of the woman in white, which is extended out to the one in the darker colors. 6. The emphasis that is used comes from both of the hearts in the portraits while the subordination is first of the women then of the background. The main area that the eye is drawn to from these elements is with the line of the vein that goes between the hearts, which is the main directional force that moves between both women. 7. Contrast is used in the work through the two women, one which is lighter and the other dark. Repetition is used with both women that are in the portrait being identical. It is also used with the shape and texture of the background, specifically through the clouds. The rhythm is used with the patterns of the first dress and lines on the second dress. These point to the vein between the two women with repetition, which causes these elements to be secondary. 8. The scale of the women is identical and the proportion is also identical. This makes the women look life size and also makes other elements look smaller. The use of the clouds in the back; however, make the proportions lose meaning as they are the only elements in the background and with the main look of the painting. C. 1. The content of the assigned work is one which begins with Frida as the main portrait figure. She paints herself from two different perspectives, one which is darker and the other which is lighter. This could be associated with the subconscious of the painter or may be based on wishing for an alternative identity. The content continues with the transfer of a heart from the Frida in white to the Frida which is darker. This can be interpreted as a heart transplant for a healthier heart or may be used in the context of transferring things that are good and which bring life forces and vital signs between the veins. The content clearly shows that one Frida is reaching out to give the heart to the other as a life sign. When first looking at this painting, my reaction was not positive. I felt that the painting was strange and surreal, specifically because my eyes were drawn first to the heart vein then to the hearts between the two women. Compared to other types of portraits and paintings, this didn’t depict beauty or a type of expression which revealed anything which is typically displayed in work. However, after looking at the two hearts and the color, light and dark and other elements, there was a different interpretation. When I was able to understand the meaning of the work, such as the interpretation of a heat transplant or a life line, the interpretation changed into one which could respect and like the work. The depiction is not only one which is creative, but which reveals elements of the subconscious and of the deeper thoughts of Frida. It is the meaning and focus of the painting that gives it value. Read More