Painted art is primarily intended to convey a particular meaning, and it is critical to recognize the significance of each piece of art and the role it serves in culture or the sense in which it is used. In certain instances, it is important to determine the roles that a given work of art serves. There must be a close bond formed between works of art and the audience's brain (Pepperell 1). The relationship between art and the brain justifies the argument that art cannot exist in isolation hence every evaluation of a piece of art must be done within the social confines as a means of promoting the understanding of the particular art (Berger 59). Every form of art including paintings must be designed for a specific purpose and should be based on a given historical context in order to promote the understanding of the given work of art.
The painting was part of the collection of H.O Havemeyer who was a known industrialist. The art was a reflection of his understanding of the society at the time. This period when Havemeyer collected his art paintings saw the establishment of industries among other businesses hence most fathers were never really home with their families. The economic development at the time is believed to have been a major impetus in his choice for this painting.
The choice of art that is used is ideal especially in terms of its applicability to the present society. However, every piece of art is interpreted differently depending on one’s personal ideologies and beliefs (Berger 56). This art represents the family ideals that are again slowly fading in the present society. It is important to note the absence of the image of the father in the picture. This could be construed to the increasing rates of absent fathers in the society where the woman is left to do all that appertains to child rearing and again being the breadwinner in families. The place of the man in the family is put to question where there has been the need for the women to stand up for their families as the fathers are declared absent from the homes.
Alternatively, this painting can be construed by feminists as an expression of the independence of the woman. As a mother, the woman is tasked with the responsibility of leading the household in the absence of the father. The strength of the woman is shown here through this art. Family ties are also evident from this painting. Considering the proximity between the mother, and children, it is evident that they must be a close knit family that relies on the mother for everything and it would not be too much to assume that the father could be out looking for provisions.
The choice of art is mainly because of the family values that it communicates. At a first glance, the picture is a representation of the importance of family bonds and the importance of mothers for every child. Art is not by chance in terms of its communication and even by drawing the younger child looking directly at the mother, the artist has managed to send a message on the importance of mothers to children.
Qualities of the work
In an argument by McKinley, “The design of every work of art is based on orchestration where the artists must decide which elements of the piece should be highlighted to signify their importance.” (2). It is easy that upon looking at the painting, the idea of the family as well as the absence of the father come out easily considering the design and composition of the painting. The images seem to be pushed towards one side while the space besides the mother is highlighted for purposes of emphasis. This is the artist’s way of drawing the attention of the audience to the empty space that should be for the father in the family (Berger 65).
The composition of the painting is focused on exposing the space of the missing parent. The importance of composition and design is a major concept that pushes as a means of revealing the true meaning behind works of art (1). In fact, he adds that ‘the silence in one part of the painting is purposefully used to make another part louder (2). The tone that is used in this piece of work relays the happiness that is in the vibrant colors on the faces of the mother and her children.
Even the value on the painting is useful especially in exploring the meanings in the painting. The importance of depth is also explored through arguments that focus on the implied depth, the artist can create an element of intimacy between the images (McKinley 4).n this piece of art, and he artist has seemingly emphasized the closeness between mother and her children. The little distance between the images in the painting communicates the intimacy and the bond that exists between the mother and her children.
Cultural Narratives in the work
Narrative art is discussed as the art that is aimed at telling a story. Communication is the basis of every piece of art and different works of art communicate different perceptions. It is also imperative to evaluate the messages or narratives inherent in a piece (Kryssi 120). This painting relays information on motherhood. The place of a mother is not questionable even in the absence of the father-figure, the presence of a mother is almost always an assurance. This painting exposes the usefulness of the other to the children. Further, there is the gender issue in terms of the traditional roles of every gender. The woman is expected to take care of the children in the home while the father is expected to provide. Despite the changes that may have happened in the society, the painting.
Pepperell adds that it is important to evaluate art in terms of the contexts in which they are made considering that different contexts have different views that influence the paintings done in the given times (3). The ideologies of the era are likely to influence the works of art done in the particular era for instance, the painting can be considered differently by a feminists or a patriarch
Qualities of the work
There are given qualities of art that have been expressly used in this painting and these have contributed to the overall understanding of the painting. Contrast, dominance and blending have played a role in emphasizing the key elements in the painting (Kryssi 122). The choice of white or brighter colors at the front is meant to communicate an element if happiness of contentment in this family despite the absence of the father. However, the color is only on the mother and the children and the remaining space has a different color. The background is also set in a specific way to communicate a given message and the balance that emerges in the painting enhances the important elements of the painting (Kryssi 119).
Works Cited
Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. London: British Broadcasting Corporation and Penguin Books, 2008. Print.
Kryssi, Staikidis .Personal and Cultural Narrative as Inspiration: A Painting and Pedagogical Collaboration with Mayan Artists Studies in Art Education. Vol. 47, No. 2 (Winter, 2006), pp. 118-138
McKinley, Richard. Pastel Pointers: Top 100 Secrets for Beautiful Paintings. Cincinnati: F+W Media, 2010. Internet resource.
Pepperell, Robert. “Connecting Art and the Brain: An Artist’s Perspective on Visual Indeterminacy.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 5 (2011): 84. PMC. Web. 15 Nov. 2017.
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