Analysis over a piece of art work - Essay Example

Tierney Berry Visual Analysis Essay April 23, Preserving Hannibal The piece of art I have chosen is a sculpture by senior Maria Delmar Tovar exhibited at the Savannah mall in Armstrong Atlantic State University. The artwork is entitled Hannibal, which probably was inspired by the Carthagian general of the same name, who used elephants to invade Italy. It is a miniature of an elephant that easily attracts viewers because of its multiple bright colors. Hannibal could very well be a modern cry for the preservation of animals like the elephants which are fast getting into extinction.

During the invasion of Italy mentioned earlier, all the elephants died in battle and naming the artwork after the general who thought of using the huge animals is an evident attempt of the artist to link her work to such cause. The sculptor used acrylic and glaze on metal, making the colors used come alive as they have an initial effect of catching the attention of viewers. An elephant could probably be of no meaning to anyone and might just be noticed by animal lovers like me however, Tovar’s Hannibal also presents a mysterious message that calls the audience to ponder about why it was created.

Naturally, elephants have only one color but Tovar’s elephant has multiple colors mixed all over the body of the image which could be interpreted by viewers in a variety of ways. For me, I think this variation of colors tells that the advocacy communicated through the artwork is true regardless of where the elephants are located, whether in Italy, Africa, Asia or America. Moreover, it could also refer to whatever use the elephants are employed, whether in wars, zoos, or slaughtered for their ivories, their preservation should always be made a priority.

Elephants are wonderful animals which are popular for their treasured tusks, strength and enormous size and their number is decreasing by the year because of irresponsible killings. Hannibal seems to tell people, ‘Hey, look at what you will lose if you keep killing us’. Tovar’s artwork is a freestanding sculpture in an open form that interacts with the spaces around it. This gives an unspoken message of ‘leave me alone’, believed to be related to the theme of the art. This and the vibrant colors of Hannibal plead humans to allow such beautiful creations live among people, in their natural habitat so that they may also enjoy the beauty of life.

It could probably be impossible to say that we do not enjoy or appreciate the existence of elephants because they sure help humans in many ways and they are even made as pets in some countries. Therefore, as humans would take friendship, encouragement and comfort from other pets, the same care given to them should be catered to elephants.The dimensions of the sculpture were not specified but is estimated (estimations mine) to be two feet high, three feet long and one foot thick. Though it is not as large as the real ones, Hannibal is as proud, confident, courageous and bold as they are.

The elephant has its right foreleg forward, taking a step while the other foreleg is a bit behind the other, showing that it is about to take another step forward. The ears are wide open as if the elephant is geared for action while it raises its tusks and trunk to make that distinct sound. The open ears would be another means for the sculptor to call the attention of her audiences. The ears are similar to the flailing hands of a drowning person, calling the attention of a lifeguard. In addition, it seems to tell the viewers to listen to the cry of the elephant.