Head of a Woman (Portrait of the Artist's Mother)
Juan Gris
(Spanish, Madrid 1887–1927 Boulogne-sur-Seine) http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/view?oid=490615
The picture I chose is from the met museum link titled "Head of a woman" by Juan Gris. The medium used to create this piece was oil on canvas, created in 1912. While searching for an image to use for this post I was looking for something a little out of my comfort zone, something I wouldn't normally choose. This painting managed to capture my attention, its simple yet complex at the same time with a representational style. The style of this painting is abstract as well, it is purposefully distorted and very simplified. The way this painting is viewed as abstract is the way the artist plays with the shapes and its form that alter the way a real face should resemble. It is very clear to see a human face in this piece with out reading the title. It is also clear to see that this human figure is a woman with the indication of the earrings. These figures also make this painting stylized, this face could be any person. The artist used monochromatic colors of gray and some blue keeping it within the cool colors. I love the way the artist gave this piece a visual rhythm in the use of the shapes and twisting the face.
This is so great and I am glad you went for it! BUT:
ReplyDelete1. Too short 250 word minimum
2. the assignment asked why you think the artist chose to represent the figure in this way. I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts! This is his mother- why is he choosing to paint her like this?