Cats and Girls painting by Balthus - Essay Example

Cats and Girls painting by Balthus Bathus similar to any other artist despite numerous arguments and criticisms against his work, he managed to come up with a strange niche. Hence, prompting the work stand out from the rest of other works whom artists followed modernism and other specified or accepted styles during his time. However, his mode of technique prompted to numerous criticisms to the extent of both ethical scholars and lay people citing to be suffering from paedophilia, a claim he highly turned down (Farago). Since, he contended his technique was a niche of creativity similar to any other artist in the field whereby he could not bend to the expectations of many in order to seem relevant. Hence, continued with the technique throughout his entire career that has to date made him renowned artist who could not yield to wishes of many in quest to be relevant. Farago in his article expresses similar misunderstanding where he likens the current state of media with Bathus’ works. Hence, implying for anything to have adequate and sizable audience ought to exhibit a certain degree of nudity though based on Bathus’ works the nudity of small girls could only being in the minds of pervert people. According to Bathus, his characters comprised of girls barely out of puberty whereby those who viewed them ought not to entertain thoughts of nudity that could attract somebody sexually because they were all children. This perception did not convince numerous scholars and especially viewers whereby some termed certain portraits extremely disturbing. Hence, prompting Metropolitan Museum of Art choose certain section solely for those works that were provocative such that viewers especially those with children could not visit towards those sections (Smith). Smith in his article speaks plainly referring Bathus’ preference of depicting nude adolescents as “infatuation”1 irrespective of their age. Since, compared to varied mediums used by other artists he tends to exhibit unequaled preference of young nude girls2 though in his work they seem naive and unaware of any strangeness of exposing themselves. Similarly, Gensler towards the end of his article contends Bathus’ images contrary to what he may imply; relay erotic content mostly associated with wicked imagination especially when staring at teen girls. The affirmation of this is evident with the presence of a cat though to numerous viewers they may end up taking its presence literally but according to Gensler, it is a deeper assertion of sexuality. Hence, violating children’s privacy and sexuality whereby in the latter trying to exhibit a man can at will “access” budding womanhood (Gensler). This is highest level of provocation despite the artist trying to imply literally encompasses naivety of little girls and their love for cats. Conversely, Magada-Ward despite finding Bathus’ works depicting unequaled provocation especially concerning the sexuality of young girls; she adopts point that is more neutral by comparing what other interpreters have cited about true intend of the artist. Since, this is what matters despite viewers bearing their own interpretations. In her interpretation while taking care of layperson’s perspective, Bathus through his works he presents the age gap when a girl is trying to discover herself before entering to full womanhood (Magada-Ward 26). Hence, the presence of mirrors that serve the purposes of “metaphors for the pleasure of self-recognition3” and “vehicles for self-comprehension4” whose presence in the artworks is imagery as a reflection of one’s status similar to the girls once they are studying themselves (Magada-Ward 26). Magada-Ward besides analyzing Bathu’s implication, she offers her interpretation and criticism that almost aligns with that of layperson though hers is a bit mild. This is because of her recognition that artworks play the role of arousing people’s tensions into retaliations, which differ across individuals based on morals and what one deems to be ethical. Her basis of argument or judgment leaves room for other people’s interpretations concerning aesthetic aspect. This normally varies across individuals whereby “evil” aesthetic aspect encompasses when it hurts people’s consciousness as evident with Bathu’s to most lay people (Magada-Ward 29). This brings about the aspect of pornography, which numerous scholars especially of contrary opinion to that of Bathu cite his artworks represent through teenage girls. The aspect despite majority based on ethical grounds condemning it, to some is just a normal artwork meant for pleasure as confessed by Bathus being one time a fan of pornography. In his book, Grant (23) relays sentiments of Bathus whilst responding to the question why in most of his works he chose to have nudity of girls much exposed to the extent of exposing their knickers. His retaliation despite their earlier evading interviews cited he only painted what young girls at that age do (Grant 23). Consequently, this aligns with Magada-Ward’s interpretation when citing the innocence of teen girls as they undergo transition for being girls to womanhood stage (Magada-Ward 29). Mostly, they are unaware of their identity evident when they are sit, which persists until they reflect using a “mirror” to know who they are to compose themselves and learn to hide their nudity. However, Bathus does not care the aspect of painter of photographer being selective on what to show or hide from public’s view but goes ahead to expose everything literally (Grant 23). Literally in this case implies many aspects viewers normally see in his work they ought to understand Bathu is a figurative painter whereby certain incorporations may bear diverse implications contrary to what majority deems. This is evident with inclusion of mirror in one of his paintings and a cat whereby the latter all along has characterized his works. Therefore, audiences ought to adopt keen observance as well as unveiling what lies behind numerous incorporations presented by the artwork. Since, this is what will aid in coming out with a clear meaning despite literally one holding to a certain implication as he or she sees before employ the necessary keenness. Work Cited Farago, Jason. Bizarre Balthus show reveals artist's fixation with cats and young girls. The Guardian. 21 October 2013. Web. 30Th November 2013. Gensler, T. New York – Balthus: “Cats and Girls – Paintings and Provocations” At the Metropolitan Musuem of Art Through January 12th, 2013. Artobserved. 31St October 2013. Web. 30Th November 2013. Grant, Catherine, and Lori Waxman. Girls! Girls! Girls! in Contemporary Art. Bristol, UK: Intellect, 2011. Print. Magada-Ward, Mary. "The Virtues And Dangers Of Connecting Art To Life: Can Pragmatism Address Balthus?." Journal of Speculative Philosophy 25.1 (2011): 22-32. Academic Search Complete. Web. 30 Nov. 2013. Smith, Roberta. Infatuations, Female and Feline: The Met’s ‘Balthus: Cats and Girls’ Is Strangely Refreshing. The New York Times. 26Th September 2013. Web. 30Th November 2013. Read More