Discussion Week 7 - Humanities 112

Color Analysis

Describe two (2) color paintings by different artists (selected from the list or sources in the Explore section below) that you believe represent the following quote by Kandinsky on the subject of color in art. Justify your response.

The two (2) color paintings by different artists that I selected that I believe represent the following quote by Kandinsky on the subject of color are as follows:

Matteo Garrone’s II Racconto dei racconti (Tale of Tales)

The first artistic expression is Matteo Garrone’s II Racconto dei racconti (Tale of Tales) which exhibits sheer vivid color of green that signifies life and richness and affluency as an effective background to highlight her beauty and state of distress. Also, because of the richness and sensuality of the portrayal it has been influenced by the Baroque technique or style. The paleness of her skin (ivory) and physical shape reflects delicacy and her level in the social hierarchy. The richly colored red dress signifies a nature of stubbornness, fiery temperament, pride and assurance also her hair is groomed and not a disheveled mess but reflects beautiful red tresses with waves and a slight curl pattern. Visible is her left foot which is delicate and shapely but smudged with dirt as if she had been walking or running barefoot from someone.

Also, the state of her dress is pulled past slight shoulders reflecting flawless skin and leaving her bosom bare but covered by red long tresses. From the viewing of this portrayal is the thought that an innocent has been attacked and she has managed to escape and is resting from an exhaustive ordeal.

The color of green and lushness of the foliage is very symbolic and very useful as foil needed to personify femininity. The spirituality of color in this portrayal allows and embodies concern for a distraught woman and also arouses curiosity.

Gordon Cheung’s The Rider from Alan Cristea

The next picture I chose is Gordon Cheung’s The Rider from Alan Cristea for the energy expressed in various colors that helps with the depiction of a bull charged with outrage at being ridden. Each color symbolizes emotions that are combined and help express the sheer strength of each bucking twisting jump to remove or propel the rider from its back. From the rider’s hat to his jacket and chaps are reflecting colors to indicate his maleness and his desire to master and subdue the bucking bull that is a high spirited, hot tempered specimen of charging muscle. Also, the intriguing pattern summon the eyes to take closer scrutiny because of the imagery and with colors interlocking it invites a private enjoyment and appreciation for sparking the imagination to visualize the action that is occurring. Further, the spirituality of color in this image is that it blends the color in harmonious perfection and relays its own scenario.

Discuss these ideas (from the quote) for the use of color and its impact in our own times, such as its effect for advertising and sales, or its impact in the workplace and home.

The impact of color in our times is a significant emphasizer and attractant of visual display that assist in the promotion of advertising and sales. Color and its reflective display acts as a stimulant and active promoter to purchase and investigate the exhibited display. When the reception from the eyes (visual) reaches the brain it acts not only as a stimulus but also as a receptor in the brain that allows the act of appreciation to register in the conscious and sub-conscious.

Further the interaction of color, themes and lettering is almost like a clash between art, reality and conception. Color and themes are now the rendition of modern art and is effective in the displays for advertising and sales which are artistic displays as well.

The spirituality of color has been expanded to give significance of emotional value that correspond to color, e.g., white is relational to purity, blue is relational to truth and the list of correlation and interpretation of colors continue. Therefore with the conclusion that the usage of colors in Expressionism is a supportive, logical and conclusion that colors are facilitators in art that express emotions that speak without words. Per the thought or desire the usage of colors can differ in interpretations because of the theme or thought of what the artistic display is trying to relay.

As far as the impact of colors in the workplace or home these choices range from pleasurable reception to neutrality as well as versatility and practicality. Also, color choices in the home can be chosen to keep a certain mood for an uplifting of spirits and common theme of joy and pleasure.

Here are the references and sites for the paintings below:

http://www.moma.org/collection/?=undefined&page=1
http://www.moma.org/collection/works/202476?locale=en
http://www.moma.org/collection/works/194752?locale=en
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIA2vz8NKCRkuPzOyvdlL5SmD1QNlE4dcU3Zn9N2KSTs4HaD0HloM4UOXHdAayJ6fvEInV7P_-gF2HyEMAZPTtrE0skuWWi53H_y7k64OrIdxUAatjElfhH_pVDVAhrm0gCkoX1Qfybb-/s1600/meaning_of_color.jpg

Can you think of an example of a business using color to promote a feeling?

An example of a business using color to promote a feeling is Nike--the swoop gives an impression of exhiliration and is symbolic of coolness and based on this trademark it is very popular and is considered a name brand and status.

Thank you.

Felicia

co-student reply

Les Fetes de Nuit a l'Exposition Page 1085

I agree with your point that it would be appropriately categorized under this quote due to the coloring of a dramatic night sky and elaborately lite Eiffel Tower. The drama of the night has been beguiled and allows the seduction of the viewer to be invited out and be entertained. What comes to mind is pleasure and wicked exotic thoughts that the evening will provide.

Victor Horta, Tassel House Page 1088

I also like the portrayal by Victor Horta, Tassel House, Brussels for the engrossing curvature in the iron columns to spiral like tendrils that give a thought of tenacity and entanglement. This display of Art Nouveau has been blended into the architecture and is excellent.

Further I agree that colors in advertising make a successful promotion especially where children are concerned and as long as colors are an attractant and a good facilitator to promoting business then they will be continually used in the present and future.

Thank you.

Felicia