Art fundamentals
essay
Introduction
For this week’s assignment I was given the task to choose a
piece of traditional artwork and research it.
For this I have to write an essay where I will talk about all the key
components which will create it such as; composition, colour, light,
perspective and volume. Keeping this in mind the art piece I have chosen to
write about for this essay is’ The scream’ by Swedish artist Edvard Munch.
Thesis
This picture is actually autobiographical. The expression is based on Munch’s experience
as his two associates leave him on a walk causing him to scream which pierces
through nature. This is perfectly shown through Munch’s style of art as nature
is shown through flowing curves which explains the state of the person in the
foreground of the painting. The scream
could signify the destruction of a human personality by the force of nature
which is shown by the person in the foreground being dehumanized as whilst it
is based off of Munch’s experiences the character resembles a creature with a
lack human features.
Body
Composition
In his work of art Munch shows how sophisticated his work is
by creating a contrast through nature and man. This is down to Munch’s
trademark art style of curvy flowing lines representing nature. This
demonstrates the point of the piece as the figure instead is flowing and
blending in with the nature. Overall there are many places in this art which show
contrast to overall create a balanced composition.
Colour
The colour scheme on this piece is mostly analogous. This is
because in this piece Edvard Munch mainly uses the same colours but uses
various shades from these colours. In
addition to this The grey, black and blue hues of land and water are colours which
strongly connote with depression and death. The orange and red clouds in the
sky show the intenseness of nature, whilst also creating a splendid contrast between
man and nature. Another significant contrast is the characters pale face
comparing with the dark black eyes of the character. This causes attention to
be brought to the eyes as they stare out at the audience trying to break the
forth wall which is common in Munch’s work.
Light
Light is significant in this piece because the figure seems
to be engulfed by darkness with the landscape below blanketed in the shadow.
Light only appears off into the distance where the two other figures are moving
towards it. This links to the interpretation that the two figures are leaving
the one in the background to go to the physical representation of sanity with
Munch’s figure leaving it which is causing him to scream. Light further
supports this interpretation of his piece.
Perspective
In ‘The scream’ perspective is used differently. Instead of
showing the figure in the foreground to be 3D and look realistic Munch has done
the opposite showing the figure being distorted in a way of him blending in
with the flow of nature, purposely making the image un-realistic. This is achieved to create and eerie tone for
the whole piece which is flawlessly executed.
Volume
Negative space is used in this image because the character
in the foreground isn’t the only thing with it being next to the side of a
bridge. Moreover uses a couple of picture planes with them being the ocean as
well as the bridge. Despite Munch’s signature art style this piece of art still
successfully creates form for the picture.
Conclusion
The Scream may have been influenced by events in Munch’s own
life. In Munch’s childhood, he lost his mother and several siblings. In his
adult life, Munch never married and was left by his only love. Munch also
suffered from illness, and due to his life full of tragedy and depression, he
became a recluse in his later years. In all, Munch artistically used the
elements of movement, colour, lighting, form, and balance to create a clear,
eerie mood.
Overall my favourite part of the piece is how there’s a lot of
hidden meaning towards with many interpretations
as well as how nearly everything contrasts with something yet all builds up to
create a balanced composition.
Bibliography
