by: Lucia Lopez, Mary Yanez
In this video, we listen to the conversation held by the group observing Two Ivans and Oksana by Viola Pushkariova. The type of analysis that the participants used in the conversation was a very visually based one. The imagery of the painting itself was analyzed, from the diagonal of the man and children to the brushstrokes used to paint the mans wrist. The color palette of the painting is also discussed in the conversation, such as the color of the children’s rosy faces and what that implies or the soft color tone of the painting overall. These observations were used to draw conclusions and ideas about the subjects, such as the man being tired or the children being raised well. In addition, the historical context of the painting was discussed as well. It was a painting made in a Soviet country during the years of communist dominance, and it is reflected in the piece. The discourse mentioned common characteristics of painters such torn countries of that time, and used that to help dissect the piece.
The kind of analysis which was lacking is what the painting could have meant to the people looking at it, rather than the painter and the message Pushkariova was trying to convey. A crucial part of what makes art so significant and is pertinent to understanding a given piece of art is to consider how the audience of the art reacted to it. Little thought is given to the potential reactions of viewers of the piece, which possibly deprived this analysis of a poignant topic to discuss.
Given more time, it would be nice if there was a chance to look further into the context of the painting, as well as the painting techniques which were used. Both subjects were mentioned in the video, but only briefly; there is a desire to learn more about it. Perhaps, learning the specifics of the world that was surrounding Pushkariova when this was painted as well as find out the exact style and method of bringing this work to life would imbue it with more meaning than had been discernible at first glance.
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