Clyfford Still and the Dreaming Couple as a Representation of the Poor in the US - Essay Example

The artist’s feelings are on the surface as it is clear that Still sympathized with those people and he is also very sad that some people had to live in such conditions. It is also possible to assume that the artist feels that the American society cannot be called a just one, as there are so many poor people who do not enjoy equal rights and do not have equal opportunities with the rest of Americans.

I. My Feelings and Ideas
As far as I am concerned, the painting made quite a strong impression on me. The first thing that caught my eye was the hands (as well as feet) of the man and the woman. Very poor people are depicted. The hands can be regarded as a symbol of hard work and large feet can symbolize distances that these people have to cover. I felt sorrow for the couple who had to work very hard day after day.

My sad feelings were enhanced by the posture of the couple. The man and the woman are devastated. I almost felt their weariness. I assume that these two people are not only tired of the work, but they are also tired of their lives. The man and the woman are dreaming and I feel they do not have any dreams as they haven't enough powers to create any images in their head, since they are too tired.

Finally, one element attracted my special attention. The horseshoe, which is the symbol of good luck, can be regarded as a symbol of hope in the painting. The couple could hope that they might someday overcome their difficulties and live happy and prosperous life.
However, I do not feel that there is any hope for the two people. Unfortunately, when I am looking at the painting, I can only see the despair and the endless suffering of the couple as well as millions of other people all over the world. Read More