FITM Body as Subject or Medium Discussion
ANSWER
It is interesting to note the differences between works of art that utilize the human body as their medium and those that use the human body as their subject matter since it shows the various ways artists can approach the idea of the human form. We may see the different dynamics of staring at a painted image versus an actual human presence when we compare Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa with Marina Abramovic’s The Artist is Present.
The human body is the topic of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. A woman is seen in the picture looking back at the viewer in a timeless manner. This strategy enables the use of interpretation, symbolism, and the artist’s viewpoint. We are encouraged to make assumptions about The Mona Lisa’s identity, feelings, and the background to her mysterious grin. It inspires us to use our imagination and represents the power of visual storytelling.
Conversely, the human body is the artistic medium in Marina Abramovic’s The Artist is Present. Abramovic is physically present in this performance piece, seated in a chair, and the audience is encouraged to sit across from her and make eye contact. The lines between the artist’s and the observer’s bodies are muddled by this aggressive presence of a real person, which challenges the distinctions between art and life. Direct eye contact between the performer and the audience forges a powerful, immediate, and personal emotional and psychological connection.
Although each strategy has advantages, I favor artworks that employ the human body as their medium, like Marina Abramovic’s piece. Having a living, breathing person right in front of you can be quite emotional since it is tactile and generates a sense of vulnerability and honesty. Direct eye contact with another person fosters a special and profound connection that transcends interpretation and calls forth a more instantaneous emotional reaction.
The depth of storytelling and interpretation that might result from a painted portrayal is one argument in favor of using the body as a subject matter. For instance, the Mona Lisa has sparked centuries of investigation, discussion, and mystery. This method allows for intricate details and carefully created symbolism, fine-tuning the artist’s vision and creative expression.
On the other hand, the strength of human presence and the immediateness of emotional impact could be used as arguments in favor of the body as a medium. The Artist is Present explores themes of empathy, connection, and the human experience while highlighting the transforming power of shared gaze and presence. It pushes the bounds of traditional artistic expression and forces us to face our fragility and emotions.
The decision between using the body as a medium or a topic depends on the person’s preferences and the elements of art that speak to them the most. Both methods provide distinctive perspectives and experiences that deepen our comprehension of art and the human condition.
QUESTION
Description
This is a “Reflect and Respond” Application Assignment. For these assignments I ask you to think deeply about something I’ve covered in the module and to share your thoughts or opinions on the subject. These assignments are designed to help create a depth of understanding and engagement with the material that we’re looking at, often by creating a space for you to dialog with your classmates.
Overview
What is the difference between artworks that take the human body as their subject matter and artworks that use the human body as theirmedium? To make our consideration more concrete, let’s focus on two powerful artworks that each feature a single woman looking back at you: Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (Gateways 4.9.17a) and Marina Abramovic’s The Artist is Present (Gateways 2.10.7). A comparison of these two artworks helps us understand how the act of looking at a person change when that person is painted or physically present. While we can likely all agree that neither approach to art is better, I wonder if you would prefer to look at one or the other? Are there arguments you find persuasive in favor of one type of artwork or the other (that is, body as subject matter or body as medium)?