Current ARTicles 2

1. Who is the subject in the piece? What is her significance to Picasso?
I believe the subject was an important woman to Picasso, possibly a family member or his mother. I get this from the emphasis on her breast and the book in her lap ( like when your mother would you read stories). I do know for sure that the emphasis on the book shows the woman is educated and the positioning of the book being slowly consumed in her "belly" shows that she is possibly passing on that knowledge to her child.

2. It looks like a 5th grader could of painted this piece. Why do you think a painting can cost that much?
I believe the painting costs so much because it was created by a world renowned painter, therefore it is "worth" it.

3.  When the world is in a recession do you think Art should cost this much? Why or why not?
No it shouldn't because the money that went toward purchasing this piece could have been given to a vast amount of people who are struggling in this recession.

Cultural Identity Reflection

Through the image of an interracial couple, I wanted to diminish any false pretense that race is a deciding factor in what culture you relate to most. Through bypassing the ethnic restraints that so strongly dictate people's view of culture, I had hoped to let the true meaning of culture shine through. By using the black background, I wanted to bring an emphasis on my two models with out any outside distractions. Also, the positioning of my models back to back, with the female in context is leaning on her partner poses to symbolize how the judgement of one's race and culture can affect the person. I wanted to show how they find comfort and protection in each other, in their relationship, despite the ugly misgivings the world might bring to them. I had them dress in conventional clothes, in order to emphasize how closely related culturally they are, despite race and gender differences. I wanted overall to show that ethnic categories should not blind your views of culture, because we find culture in all forms of our lives, through food, music, art, and more. I had difficulties printing this image because it turns out, the light positioned toward her face were too close. Next time I will take multiple shots but with the light positioned further from my subject. I believe, however that the flaw makes the image more mysterious, and can be seen as the girl's spirit still lingers, but is barely present due to her hardships.