Alternate Universe
Alternate Universe
1 ft by 1 ft
10/3/17
Acrylic on Canvas
1 ft by 1 ft
10/3/17
Acrylic on Canvas
Exhibition Text:
I went through multiple ideas on which animals to chose and how to depict them. I finally settled on using animals typically used at holidays in the U.S. I decided on incorporating two animals because I felt like this would have a bigger impact on the piece and the audience. I researched some holidays that are popular in the United States. I wanted to do Easter but I don't think anyone makes rabbit for the Easter meal. I decided on Thanksgiving because that is a hugely popular holiday that is unique to the U.S. This painting is a representation of animals striking back. Animals are treated like lower beings from humans and are only treated as a means to live. I wanted to reverse this idea, giving animals strength and possibility.
Artist Inspiration:
Journaling, Planning, and Process: |
The artist and artwork I chose was the series by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge known as "Dogs Playing Poker". This series was completed in 1894 to advertise cigars. The pieces have been known as Kitsch art in the United States interior decorating movement. The paintings depict anthropomorphism, or dogs sitting around a poker table playing cards. The paintings are oil on canvas. The artist, Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, was an American artist born in September of 1844. He is mainly known as the creator of the Dogs Playing Poker series. Coolidge had little training in formal art and he was self-taught. His paintings are highly detailed and he mainly worked with cartooning in the beginning of his career. The point of this work was to sell cigars, but also could be a comment on American culture. I decided to emulate this painting because I loved the idea of anthropomorphism and I wanted to incorporate in into my piece. I also liked the comments made on American culture, and I wanted to do this as well. I wanted to take the dominating, selfish aspect of American stereotypes and demonstrate them to the world.
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Process(tools/pictures):
Comparison:
My piece and Coolidge's piece are similar in meaning. Both of our pieces comment on certain aspects of American culture. I thought that his piece was unique enough to demonstrate a deep message and be able to look harmless and funny as well. I wanted to incorporate that into my piece as well. I wanted to have a deep meaning, but a soft, harmless look. Our pieces also possess similar colors. In Dogs Playing Poker, Coolidge used warm colors, such as orange and red. I used these colors, especially in the Thanksgiving part of my piece. In Coolidge's pieces, his dogs looked more life-like than mine. I wanted mine to appear cute and friendly because I wanted it to be the opposite of my meaning. The meaning is sort of dark and mysterious. I wanted the actual appearance to be soft and light. I wanted the audience to look at it and "Awe!" then look deeper and go "oh". I thought that that would be a unique aspect to the piece.
Final Evaluation:
I think my piece was a good piece. I think that my piece could have been better, but I am satisfied with my piece. I think a major area of improvement would be the neatness of the piece. I think that the lines could have been a little straighter as well as a little more defined. I found that the details were incredibly hard to do, given that they were so small. I think another area I could improve in is the color choice. I think that the bright orange was a little too bright, but I think this added a sense of Thanksgiving spirit. I think the drawing was done accurately. I think that the turkey was done to my approval as well as the background. I struggled with the dimensions, but I think in the end, it all worked out right. I think that my piece reflected the meaning of Coolidge's piece, not necessarily the format or the appearance. I think I could have improved on this as well.
ACT Questions:
1. Coolidge's piece was dark, warm colors. My piece was also dark, warm colors. I think my piece was more vibrant then Coolidge's.
2. I think Coolidge had a negative point of view of my topic. I think he thought America took advantage of animals and thought they were inferior, much like me.
3. American's believe that animals or nature in general are inferior to them in all ways, when in reality, we should be more grateful of animals because we highly depend on them to live.
4. The central theme was the "inferiority" people believe animals have towards them.
5. I think humans need to be more appreciative of animals and their benefits on society.
2. I think Coolidge had a negative point of view of my topic. I think he thought America took advantage of animals and thought they were inferior, much like me.
3. American's believe that animals or nature in general are inferior to them in all ways, when in reality, we should be more grateful of animals because we highly depend on them to live.
4. The central theme was the "inferiority" people believe animals have towards them.
5. I think humans need to be more appreciative of animals and their benefits on society.
Work Cited:
“Poker Sympathy Cassius Marcellus Coolidge Reproduction | 1st Art Gallery.” Oil painting reproductions from 1st Art Gallery, www.1st-art-gallery.com/Cassius-Marcellus-Coolidge/Poker-Sympathy.html.
Limited, Alamy. “Stock Photo - Dogs Playing Poker by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge.” Alamy, www.alamy.com/stock-photo-dogs-playing-poker-by-cassius-marcellus-coolidge-57131534.html.
Limited, Alamy. “Stock Photo - Dogs Playing Poker by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge.” Alamy, www.alamy.com/stock-photo-dogs-playing-poker-by-cassius-marcellus-coolidge-57131534.html.