MoMA Reaction

                This first field trip immersed us in the world of modern art. However with our new found knowledge of critical analysis, we must explore the significance that each piece represents and no longer just admire the aesthetic beauty of a work of art. Each artist presents a form of identity to the viewer that is historically, personally, or culturally significant. It is understood that creating artist is a form of personal expression, but many pieces transcend this categorization and explore how these forms of identity can take shape in art.

               Frida Kahlo's "Fulang-Chang and I" (1937) is made with oil paint on composition board represents, a form of personal identity expressed into painting. This painting is a self-portrait of Kahlo and her pet monkey. The monkey was considered to be her surrogate child and reflects her personal issues of infertility. The closeness of the two figures implies a deep relationship and alludes to her desire for children. The piece includes depictions of the imperfections of her own features which describe her desire to convey a great understanding of her personal appearance; a very personal trait.

                Ben Shahn's "Handball" (1939), made with Gouache on Paperboard represents an aspect of historical identity. Handball was a very popular sport during the 1930-40s, which is reflected in the painting. The clothing that the players wear is indicative of that time period that has since past. The intensity of the players lend significance to the game itself, and its historical importance. The background buildings and advertisements give vague reminders of its place in history.

                Andrew Wyeth's "Christina's World" (1948) made with Tempera on Panel reflects a distinctly American cultural identity. Wyeth's cultural background is displayed by his choice of an arid farmland in Maine as the background. The choice of depicting a woman in the contemporary clothing facing away from the viewer towards the dusty farmhouses of the dust bowl era allude to its cultural significance. - this painting manages to depict a certain American farmland quality. It showcases a woman in the contemporary clothing facing towards dusty farmhouses of the dust bowl era. His choice of illustrating a polio stricken girl crawling through a field attempted to honor her conquest of life. Even though she has a debilitating illness that has significantly influence American culture during that period, Wyeth makes a narrative on the power of Christina.

                All three of these artworks share the fact that they were made during the 30s and 40s. However, their mediums are entirely different and exemplify the different aspects of nature they were attempting to capture. The significance of each piece is also apparent to me, although the displayed qualities of each aspect, historical, personal, and cultural. These essential qualities and ideas that stood out were the reasons I placed them into their respective categories.