Design Principles | Task 2 Visual Analysis

SEM 1.5

WEEK 3-5 (DEADLINE WEEK 5)
Edita Chew En Thung / 0357357
Design Principles | GCD60804
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 2 : Visual Analysis



INSTRUCTIONS

Module Information Booklet [MIB] Design Principles

We students are tasked with assessing, investigating, documenting and analysing the existing art/design work we selected in Task 1. We will study the design principles found in that work, as well as the size, placement, purpose, effectiveness of the design in relation to the UNSDG goal that we have chosen.

fig 1.0 



Guernica (Picasso):

fig 1.1 | Guernica (Picasso)


Chosen UNSDG Goal: 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institution.

Visual Analysis (research + extraction)(Guernica): 

Observations: 
The painting depicts a scene of devastation following the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The achromatic background, featuring the colour black, white, and grey hues, sets a somber tone for the artwork. The focal point of the painting is a distressed horse, its eyes filled with fear, representing innocent victims of wartime conflicts. Surrounding the horse are various dislocated figures displaying distorted forms and mournful expressions, such as a mother holding her lifeless child and a mutilated soldier. These images convey the trauma and loss experienced by Guernica's inhabitants both physically and psychologically. Picasso used bold, angular lines and fragmented forms to depict the figures and objects in "Guernica." These jagged lines create a sense of tension and unease, conveying the violence and brutality of the bombing.

(130 words)


Analysis: 

"Guernica" by Picasso portrays the cruelty of war and the resilience of humanity. His work depicts cubism. Through abstraction and symbolism, the painting challenges viewers to contemplate the urgency of peace, compassion, and solidarity against violence. In "Guernica," Picasso employs texture, form, colour, contrast, symbolism, emphasis, and unity to create a powerful composition. The rough texture and fragmented forms convey the chaos of war, while the limited colour palette and stark contrast intensify the imagery. Symbolism, such as the horse and bull, adds depth to the painting's meaning, while emphasis draws attention to central figures. Despite the disparate elements, there's a cohesive unity that enhances the painting's impact as a profound work of art.

(114 words)

(design principles with explanations)



Interpretation: 
fig 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 | link to source here

"Guernica" by Picasso portrays the cruelty of war and the resilience of humanity. His work depicts cubism, like these other 2 artworks.  Cubism are objects and figures are broken down into distinct planes and reassembled into abstracted forms.Through abstraction and symbolism, the painting challenges viewers to contemplate the urgency of peace, compassion, and solidarity against violence. By evoking empathy for the suffering of others, the artwork inspires reflection and potentially prompts social change. Overall, "Guernica" serves as a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of striving for a more peaceful world.

(95 words)
(Total: 339 words)
(3 artwork similarity & movement -cubism, with ref)


Klein, C. (2022) Guernica by Pablo Picasso - history, meaning, and analysis, EmptyEasel.com.

link to reference: HERE


FEEDBACK

Our tutor commented on how to improve my current work for the visual analysis, for the observation, adding the use of colours lines and shapes would be better. In reviewing the artworks by Picasso, I've noticed a recurring theme in their depiction of movement, particularly evident in the context of Cubism. From various artists' works, such as Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" to Braque's "Violin and Candlestick," and Delaunay's "Simultaneous Windows on the City," each piece and fragmented forms and overlapping shapes to convey dynamic motion. 

To enhance my analysis, I aim to provide specific references to each artwork, elucidating Picasso's distorted perspectives and Braque's geometric shapes, among others, to offer a more detailed comparison. Additionally, I'll delve deeper into the design principles at play, including composition, form, colour, and symbolism, to further enrich my understanding of how movement is effectively portrayed in these masterpieces.



REFLECTION

In looking at others' work, I've learned to recognise and describe design principles such as balance, contrast, and emphasis. By analysing how artists use these principles, I can better understand the visual impact of their creations. Additionally, I've become more aware of my surroundings and how design can be used to communicate messages effectively. Whether it's through colours, shapes, or composition, I've learned to see design as a solution for visual communication, allowing me to convey ideas and emotions in a clear and engaging way. Overall, these experiences have deepened my appreciation for the power of design in our everyday lives.



FURTHER READING
link to source here.
CUBISM
Cubism was a popular art style in the 20th century, mainly developed by artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in Paris from 1907 to 1914. It focused on making paintings look flat instead of creating depth like traditional art. Cubist artists didn't follow old rules of copying nature. Instead, they broke objects into different pieces and put them back together in unique ways in their paintings. This made the artworks look like they were made of various shapes and angles rather than showing things as they appear in real life.

During the years 1910 to 1912, Cubism evolved into what's known as Analytical Cubism. Picasso and Braque's paintings became so alike during this time that it was hard to tell them apart. They focused on breaking down shapes and forms in their artwork. They liked using right angles and straight lines, though some parts of their paintings looked like sculptures, like in Picasso's "Girl with a Mandolin" from 1910. They kept their colors simple, usually using shades of tan, brown, gray, cream, green, or blue, so people would focus on the shapes instead of the colours. Their paintings showed objects from different views, with layers that seemed to move on the canvas. The shapes in the middle of their paintings were compact, while they spread out towards the edges. They often combined real things like musical instruments or faces with letters in their artwork.

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