Week 15 Art Analysis Project 5/12/2019

1. Use the vocabulary you have learned in class to describe this artwork or performance in detail.

This painting is black and white and makes use of the stark contrast between the colors. There are different values of black, making some of the figures appear grey. Picasso uses sharp lines and unique shapes to construct the figures in the painting. The facial features have a distinct miserable feel to them, and all of the body parts seem to evoke a sense of suffering. All of the figures are scattered pretty closely together, making the piece seem claustrophobic, adding to the painful feelings. The size of the painting itself probably reinforces this fact. 

2. What processes were used to create this work? What social influences might the artist be responding to and why?

Picasso painted this painting in reaction to the bombings in Guernica in the 1930s by the Nazi's during the Spanish Civil War. The disastrous effects of the wars in Europe, and the physical and social turmoil that followed, clearly had an influence on Picasso's art. The strong, blunt, negative emotions portrayed in this painting are probably a fraction of what the people living during this time felt about what was happening to them, but I think that Picasso did a good job of capturing the devastation with the color contrast and the facial features of the figures in this painting.  

3. What is the relationship of this work to the time and society in which it was created? Describe the symbols used to express this relationship.

Like in the previous answer, this painting was in response to the tragedies happening in the Spanish Civil War and with Adolf Hitler. This painting has many symbols that resemble a sort of hell. The animals that are in the painting are bulls and some other dragon-like animals with sharp teeth. The human-like figures are all chopped up on the ground and look like they're suffering and crying out for help. The lightbulb in the top center is a strong symbol as well.

4. Identify elements in the work that evoke a persuasive or emotional response. Be specific about what those responses are and why.

There are 3 distinct faces that are looking upwards, one on the middle-left, one on the bottom-left, and one on the top-right (with his arms up). These faces all look as if they are in intense pain or dead. On almost all of the figures, the eyes are not aligned with the rest of their face, which evokes a strong weird/creepy emotions. There are a few spots that have shapes that look similar to fire. 

5. Evaluate what you perceive to be the strengths and weaknesses of the work.  Apply discipline specific vocabulary and concepts when describing your point of view.

I think the strengths of this piece include the use of black and white contrast and the difference in values of blacks to portray the figures. The lack of color definitely adds to the emotion of the painting. The strong symbolism is a major strength and the sheer size of the painting works in it's favor.