Week 3: Symbolism and Surrealism Art Movement
Today I was introduced to art movements such as Symbolism and Surealism. I will choose the works, that I am interested in to do the research.
- Symbolism Art Movement
-Odilon Redon (1881) The Crying Spider-
From my perspective, the image of a crying human head is quite frightening, giving the feeling that the painting depicts some kind of regret or obsession. The image of the human head with spider legs makes me think even more deeply about the fear and obsession with this insect. I think hybrid creatures often represent the hidden corners of the subconscious, the secret fears or feelings of guilt that people always try to conceal.
This painting depicts how humans are constantly caught in a web of wrong choices, like a spider’s web. The figure’s empty eyes symbolize blindness in life, while the tears represent pain and regret. This painting represents Redon’s inner world, where he longs to find the truth amidst wrong decisions made in a blind world.
Through this work, I believe that art in the symbolism art movement not only reflects the external world, but also offers a glimpse into the human soul, dreams, and nightmares. These are expressed through symbols whose visual senses can associate with the meanings surrounding them.
- Surrealism Art Movement
-Tanning’s 1943 painting ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik-
When I looked at the painting, I didn’t quite grasp its specific meaning. I felt it had the vibe of a creepy video game, and the doors represented challenges I had to overcome. But after an explanation, I learned that the artwork depicts a woman standing before endless open doors, symbolizing venturing into the depths of her mind. The sunflower represents the difficult challenges in life.
Through these works, I feel that the Surrealism Art Movement presents surreal images that liberate the imagination from the control of reason. The paintings may contain unrelated objects, creating a visual psychological analysis.
For my artwork, I drew an eye attached to a pair of butterfly wings, a pair of bright, open eyes. Butterflies begin as caterpillars, go through a dark cocoon phase before emerging and flying, and the eyes can represent perspective or knowledge. By combining them, I wanted to convey an image symbolizing a new perspective, an awakening after a long period of suppression or darkness. It’s like finding a clearer perspective after a major event.
Because the previous painting already represented a different perspective, the painting I created depicts a box-like space where trees and roots emerge from nowhere, locking all the doorways. The eye gazes into this confinement, searching for something, as if portraying the human mind trapped between reality and illusion.
After that I was asked to make 10 sketches, based on my 10 objects, but I could only do 9 sketches. For me, it is a good development, because last time I could not finish 10 sketches with 45 minutes
Phuong Vi Nguyen 