Explication of
Art
Written By:
Zehra Nasirali
For: Mr. De
Boer
Grade: ENG-OAI
Date: 19th July, 2000
Drawing art is a human skill that is either one naturally possesses or one strives to obtain. Art is not merely pictures on paper; the method in which it is drawn and portrayed conceals hidden reasons and therefore, it goes much deeper than just existing as a drawing. To further stress the profound depth through which art may advance, two particular graceful pieces of art will do justice by shining some light on this topic. Nude by Roger be La Fresnaye and Teatime by Jean Metzinger both relate to three particular elements of design - shape, colour and space - to accentuate the emotion possessed by the figures in both pictures.
The shape in which the artist chooses to draw his image sets the mood and personality of the drawing. Just how circles represents happiness and zigzag lines represent wildness in the psychology of shape, vis-a-vis both artists use solid shapes to highlight the figures in a dimensional form. Roger's paintings are comprised of just mere shapes; these shapes are blended in at the edges to give it a smother flow; and yet allow it to stand out bold and active in structure. The position in which the woman's shoulder
is drawn related to the observer that she embodies herself in shame. The manner in which she stands, and how her thighs drawn together and the shape of her head bowing in a downward slant adds to this thought.
On the contrary to Rogers use of shape for his picture, Nude, Jean uses the element 'shape' to convey the bold character of the figure in his painting. The shapes are not drawn in a three-dimensional form, but instead in a collage format to trick the eye into accepting it in a live, pop-out picture. Ninety percent of the shapes have straight edges, thus giving the picture rocky transitions from one part of the body to the other.
Furthermore, in contrast to the Nude, the figure in Teatime has her chin raised. This use of shape and angle relates boldness and pride. Moreover, the shape of the woman's bosom is marvellously represented by a mere triangle. The spoon is drawn as a real image and, therefore dominates the composition in the picture. Furthermore, shape is a great element and both the artists apply this element wisely to convey their message.
The application of the element 'space' is an art in it's own. Nude possesses a beautiful example of space. The outlining positive space of the figure is represented as the woman's aura. The limited space also sets the figure in a tight-seal. This means that the brevity of the black smudge around her body gives the constriction of space for the figure. It seems that she has no room for movement and she is confined to the rectangular box in which she is placed, thus giving her a feeling of unimportance. On the other extreme end of this thought is the example of Teatime. The background spacing is busy and therefore, negative. The woman in this picture is almost merging with the background space but she stands out because of the way the shapes are drawn and also because of the light source. In addition, the busy background gives us, the observer, reason to believe that she is part of some loud, busy event which in return makes her feel important and honoured. Moreover, the spacing usually sets the mood of the background in the picture and this relates the situation to the observer in a very subtle manner.
One of the major elements of art is the selection of colour and it's appropriate application. In both paintings, this element conveys the emotions of the figures in the way that was intended. The method in which Nude is drawn and the depressing colours that it comprises of, directs your eye movement directly from her head down to her feet and then back up to her head again. The irony here is that this is exactly how one would glance at someone in disgrace, in this case the shy and ashamed woman is in disgrace. Similarly, the red areas in Jean's work of art directs the eye in an anticlockwise motion; starting from the head, down to the hand, to the teacup, to her left hand and back up to her head and round the circle again. Furthermore, Jean also uses the colour white to underline the woman's feeling for importance; the fact that she stands out from picture nice and bright, proves this point. Last but not least, both artists have applied colour and shade to portray body parts in a highly creative manner.
In conclusion, the elements of art play a great deal of importance in relating the message of the art to the observer. The application of all elements are not necessary but if simply three or four elements are applied wisely, it will help to create the depth and mood of the art just in the remarkable way that Jean Metzinger and Roger De La Fresnaye did so in their works Teatime and Nude.