mind and body

instructions: Please respond to the following three prompts after reading Chapter 11 in the textbook. Note you are also responsible for creating an artwork in the first prompt. You should base your responses on information found in the chapter and your own observations (you are also welcome to look at museum websites and khanacademy.org). You must work independently and phrase your responses in your own words. If you cite from the textbook, or another source, keep it to a minimum, and include proper citations where necessary; for the textbook include (Lazzari and Schlesier page or section title) at the end of the sentence/paragraph. Each response should be a paragraph or two in length. You can single or double-space your responses. You will be able to upload more than one document to Canvas so that you can submit a separate PDF or JPEG of your self-portrait.

1. Chapter 11 features many portraits and artists self-portraits. Rather than solely analyzing examples from the chapter, I would like for you to create (draw, paint, collage, photograph…) and describe your own self-portrait. Your self-portrait can depict your physiognomy, character/temperament, and/or interests. Your portrait can be a flattering portrayal of your physical qualities or an expressive abstraction of your inner emotions. Decide on a portrait length (bust length, half-length, three-quarters length, or full length). Consider (and explain) your choice of expression, posture and/or gesture, clothing, accessories, and the setting. Be sure to read Chapter 11 before you begin working on your self-portrait, as I encourage you to take inspiration from the examples included in the chapter.

2. Chapter 11 discusses the idealized body, or  perfect body, identifying how this notion differs culturally. Examine the following artworks: Polykleitos’ Doryphoros (Figure 11.14), Torso from India (Figure 11.16), Yakshi (Figure 11.17), Male Torso from Africa (Figure 11.15), and  Michelangelos David (Figure 11.20). What cultures are represented? What was important to each culture in representing the body? What is important to us today?

3. Artists often communicate a great deal about their own psychological state, and/or that of the individual(s) featured in their artworks, through their works’ formal properties. Select two of the following artworks to analyze, with an emphasis on what the forms (line, shape, color, texture, composition etc.) reveal about the mental and/or emotional state of the artist and/or individual featured in the work: Van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet (Figure 11.5),  Kahlo’s Self Portrait with Monkey (Figure 11.11), Munch’s The Scream (Figure 11.28), Matta’s Listen to Living (Figure 11.32), Pollock’s Lucifer (11.38).