Student Gallery

The gallery experience is worlds apart from any image you see on a screen. To be in front of the work and see first hand what the artist saw or was trying to portray. From the minuscule detail from the thickness of the paint to the slight variation of shading. All which can not be seen from any reproduction or projected image, the finer details are (in most cases) just as important as the overall message of the work. Also in a gallery you are surrounded by people who are there for the same reason you are, they are there to appreciate works, and understand that the only way to see a work is to be standing in front of it. Most of these people you are surrounded by have a deep love and understanding of art, and from my experience they are great resources for insight into the artist and the works themselves. Many times the galleries are exhibiting new artist you have never heard of, in which case you would have completely missed if you never stepped foot into a gallery.

When looking at art the medium in which it is made in can stimulate different emotions even before you fully submerge into the work. For example, I am attracted to lots of vibrant colors or a work full of dark contrasts. In turn when I step into a gallery and survey the room to decide which section I will start with I normally will gravitate to colors or contrast. I guess it comes down to preference, but think about it a work (excluding the subject matter) made in charcoal is going to evoke some sort of intense emotion, because most charcoal works are very contrasty and linear. While a work created in bright color pastels will be received as joyful or carefree. If we look at the infinite range of color variations in acrylic paints and the variety of tones and moods, we can begin to understand how within each medium the texture and use of color dictates the mood as much as the medium itself.

"Devil and a Farmer" By Christian Monjarez is a turbulent expression of what could be speculated as a battle between a framer and the devil. As the subjects are evident from the tittle the story and the artists narrative to the characters are left much to the imagination of the viewer. From the position of the devil and farmer (both on the lower left side of the canvas) it can be speculated, do to their close proximity to each other that the devil and farmer are one. On the lower to mid right side of the canvas there seems to be a loop with the sun in the center. The work is difficult to read due to it being more of an abstract piece. Through previous encounters with this artist I have come to understand that much of his work comes from personal reflection and great understanding of the human spirit. I hope to discuss with him about this work to further understand the details and intention of the work.