Introduction and Thesis Statement
The project targets to analyze the changes that the twentieth century implied for art and aesthetics. Thus, two works of art – “The Two Friends” by Frida Kahlo and “Destruction of the Father” by Louise Bourgeois – are examined as the fine examples reflecting the spirit of the relevant period. It is assumed that these works feature strong political and social implications that are translated to the public boldly and provocatively.
“The Two Fridas” by Frida Kahlo
Information about Work
“The Two Fridas” by Frida Kahlo large-scale canvas painted in oil by Frida Kahlo in 1939. The painting can be viewed in the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico. It depicts two twin ladies sitting on a long bench against the background of the heavy sky. The ladies are linked by an artery that joins their hearts which suggests that they are two parts of one person (Kleiner, 2014).
Political Context of the Work
“The Two Fridas” has a strong political implication. Thus, it symbolizes the hegemony imposed by imperialism. The artist wanted to show that the destructive character of interference into the native culture – the two figures stand for a traditional Mexican woman and the westernized personality that the imperialistic forces strive to generate. Since Kahlo shared Mexican nationalistic ideas, she used art to express her confrontation with the view imposed from beyond (Kleiner, 2014).
Summary of Expert Critical Commentary
Modern critics agree that Kahlo’s work was underestimated by her contemporaries. Cotter (2008) assumes that the barrier to accepting the work resided in the fact that it was “implacably frank” (para.13). On the whole, it is characterized as both socially and politically acute work that implies a strong appeal to the world society.
“Destruction of the Father” by Louise Bourgeois
Information about Work
“Destruction of the Father” is an installation designed by a French painter and sculptor, Louise Bourgeois in 1970. This work of art is commonly interpreted as the artist’s monument to her father and the feeling of betrayal associated with him. The installation comprises numerous elements resembling beds and tables illuminated red. Bourgeois used a wide range of materials including fabric, wood, latex, and plaster (Heartney, Posner, Princenthal, & Scott, 2014).
Social Context of the Work
The installation implies socially acute problems of modern society such as family relations and infidelity. The artist uses her personal experience to translate the protest about marriage tyranny to society. The abundance of the red light in the installation exhibits the hidden aggression and emphasizes the feministic implications this work of art targets to reveal. The installation is an intentional provocation appealing to destroy the commonly established patriarchal family pattern (Heartney et al., 2014).
Summary of Expert Critical Commentary
Bourgeois’ work of art received ambiguous reviews from the expert community. Hence, for instance, Lewis and Lewis (2013) note that the artist introduced a new concept of modern art featuring the idea of “self-exploration” translated through sincere and provocative creation (467). The provocative and feministic implications of Bourgeois’ work are pointed out by most critics. Thus, Pasquali and Thomson-Salo (2014) characterize “Destruction of the Father” as “a forceful, provocative confrontation with male tyranny” (p. 210).
Conclusion
The examined works of art revealed the key changes that the twentieth century implied for art. Thus, artists became more straightforward in expressing their ideas – the discussed works exhibit exclusive sincerity and rebellion towards the old tenor of life.
Reference List
Cotter, H. (2008). The people’s artist, herself a work of art. The New York Times. Web.
Heartney, E., Posner, H., Princenthal, N., & Scott, S. (2014). The reckoning: women artists of the new millennium. New York, NY: Prestel Verlag.
Kleiner, F. S. (2014). Gardner’s art through the ages: A global history. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Lewis, R. L, & Lewis, S. I. (2013). The power of Art. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Pasquali, L. T, & Thomson-Salo, F. (2014). Women and creativity: A psychoanalytic glimpse through art, literature, and social structure. London, England: Karnac Books.