Tougher than two Muthaf - Essay Example

Tougher than two Muthaf The image by Jeff Sonhouse “Tougher than two Muthaf” is a mixed media and steel wool on board done in 2006 and found at Elliot and Kimberly Perry (Exhibitions web). The image (Roger Toussant) measures 32 by 32 by 4½ inches. The image can also be found at Jack Tilton Gallery and represent both Americanism and Africanism. A black male with African features but dressed in a western style with a suit and a tie denoting a mixture of two cultures. The image has both bright and dull colors such as the Bright yellow with a black background.

The suit is yellow representing the American color and culture while the background is black representing the African origin (Exhibitions web). The artist also used bright light especially for the man which and a dark background to bring out the contrast and value. The face has a mixture of black and yellow and the hair is black to represent a person of two races. The mixture of colors on the spikes such as blue, white, green, red, pink, purple, and orange gives a picture of a culture of people from different racial origins.

The artist uses smooth texture on the mans clothing, face and the background. The rough texture is also present especially the hair. The artist used mixed media and steel wool on board to enhance the texture of the piece and make it appear real. The steel wool brings out the rough texture of African hair (Exhibitions web). The rough texture of the hair denotes the artists concept behind the work. Coarse hair is associated with African origin, and it has been enhanced in the image making it rough.

The image has different lines and shapes one of it being the natural shape of a human being. The other shapes used are triangles, oval, and circles to create various features (Exhibitions web). For instance, the face has been masked with triangles in black and yellow creating a pattern. The lines include diagonal, vertical, and horizontal while another cross one another. The lines join to create the desired shapes in the image such as the coat and the mask. The composition is the arrangement of elements in the image to draw the attention of the viewer and in this image, the elements have been arranged to create unity by bringing everything together.

The painting has a symmetrical balance creating the sense of calmness, as the man appears cool. The arrangement of lines, shapes, and texture in the image creates a focal point on the face. The different shapes used in the image create a rhythm moving the viewer’s eye to different parts of the image. All the elements in the image have unity, as they seem stuck together. Special attention has been given to the face to create an emphasis of an African man. The masking of the face and use of blue glasses attracts the attention of the viewer towards the face (Exhibitions web).

The pose on the man’s face also has been emphasized by unmasking the lips, which makes the image appear real since the rest of the face is masked. The image is painted to scale, and the size of the man is not exaggerated. Everything is in proportion, but the hair is abnormally rough and sluggish compared to that of a human being. This creates some emphasis and attracts the attention of the viewer to scrutinize it. Works Cited ‘Exhibitions’. Point Of View: Contemporary African American Art from The Elliot And Kimberly Perry Collection – Contemporary. Web. 16 Oct. 2015.< http://www.

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