:Exhibition:
This piece is a self portrait inspired by In the Car, a Roy Lichtenstein piece, and his use of line, style, and composition to convey emotion. It explores a sense of longing and dissatisfaction with the self and life as I look to the future for a better time. Though at the same time I forget to live in the present and experience simple pleasures. Title: I Am Not A Martyr Size: 3ftx3ft Medium: Canvas, Acrylic paint Date of Completion: 4/18/2022 |
Inspiration
In the Car by Roy Lichtenstein (1963) is based on a comic panel illustrated by Tony Abruzzo for the comic series Girl's Romances. Many of Lichtenstein's pieces focus on a woman's unhappiness, most pieces feature a woman crying. Nearly all his depictions of these women are identical, a blonde with thick lashes and a perfect face. What especially drew me to this piece was how the woman stares ahead, as though she'd rather be anywhere else. There is a clear longing to be elsewhere, somewhere just out of frame to the right that I really wanted to evoke in my piece. In this woman's case she would like to not be in the car with this man but my piece represents something more psychological so for that reason another figure is not present in my piece.
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Planning
I started with a photo of myself since this is a self portrait. I at first thought to wear a coat with a fur collar since I do have several but my mother suggested I include my guinea pig Pie on my shoulder, since she said I sometimes carry her around on my shoulder after a long day, staring off into space. Though she is not the most majestic of animals I opted to include her in the portrait, since a lot of famous portraits also include the figure's beloved pet. |
I made the decision to start first with a digital image, this way I could make adjustments more easily and explore different options. Pictured left is the final drawing that got projected and it is quite satisfying. The facial expression is captured perfectly, there is a clear mix of dissatisfaction and longing and an implication of some off-frame future or ideal to look toward. To contrast the slightly gloomy atmosphere is Pie, who does a wonderful job lightening up the place with her shiny, unblinking eyes. There is some sadness but it is met with comfort, and that I believe creates a balance. |
Critique
Similarities
-The style of the pieces are very alike, both make strong use of line to convey the figure depicted.
-The composition of both pieces are quite similar, the figure to the left side of the frame looking off to the right.
-Both figures have a blank expression, the emotion is very similar and so are the facial features.
Differences
-A noticeable difference in the pieces is movement, the original depicts a car so there is clear movement in the piece, while my piece is noticeably still.
-The use of color is also quite different, the original has very dull colors with very limited usage, while my piece is brighter, and makes use of more color in the background.
-There is a bit of a difference in tone, the original piece is very in the moment, there is a scene, movement, and a story as to what is transpiring. My piece, contrast, is more of an emotion, the background is a pattern rather then a scene as I stare off into space.
-The style of the pieces are very alike, both make strong use of line to convey the figure depicted.
-The composition of both pieces are quite similar, the figure to the left side of the frame looking off to the right.
-Both figures have a blank expression, the emotion is very similar and so are the facial features.
Differences
-A noticeable difference in the pieces is movement, the original depicts a car so there is clear movement in the piece, while my piece is noticeably still.
-The use of color is also quite different, the original has very dull colors with very limited usage, while my piece is brighter, and makes use of more color in the background.
-There is a bit of a difference in tone, the original piece is very in the moment, there is a scene, movement, and a story as to what is transpiring. My piece, contrast, is more of an emotion, the background is a pattern rather then a scene as I stare off into space.
Reflection
I ended up being very happy with this piece. I was very unsure at the beginning on how it would turn out but I ended up really liking the pop art style and my take on it.
ACT Connection
1.) Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork:
My inspiration was In the Car by Roy Lichtenstein, who has a very defined art style. There is a very purposeful use of line throughout his pieces, as well as strong emotion. I followed suit in portraying a strong sense of emotion especially in the wistful expression and using thick, stylistic lines.
2.) What is the overall approach ( point of view ) the author ( from your research ) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
There is a power imbalance in our inherently male centrist society that puts non-men at a disadvantage in terms of personal and social freedoms. It is an inherent struggle to exist.
3.) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I actually quite enjoyed the painting process, projecting the image and tracing it to the canvas gave a much more appealing result then without, so I would like to continue to utilize that process.
4.) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
being present in a moment can be difficult at times, living in your head and building up a future that isn't there isn't the best way to deal with stress.
5.) What kind of inferences ( conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning ) did you make while reading your research?
Line is incredibly versatile and can completely dictate the mood and tone of the piece, thickness, color, application, there is such a wide range of forms it can take.
My inspiration was In the Car by Roy Lichtenstein, who has a very defined art style. There is a very purposeful use of line throughout his pieces, as well as strong emotion. I followed suit in portraying a strong sense of emotion especially in the wistful expression and using thick, stylistic lines.
2.) What is the overall approach ( point of view ) the author ( from your research ) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
There is a power imbalance in our inherently male centrist society that puts non-men at a disadvantage in terms of personal and social freedoms. It is an inherent struggle to exist.
3.) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
I actually quite enjoyed the painting process, projecting the image and tracing it to the canvas gave a much more appealing result then without, so I would like to continue to utilize that process.
4.) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
being present in a moment can be difficult at times, living in your head and building up a future that isn't there isn't the best way to deal with stress.
5.) What kind of inferences ( conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning ) did you make while reading your research?
Line is incredibly versatile and can completely dictate the mood and tone of the piece, thickness, color, application, there is such a wide range of forms it can take.