Art Analysis
Art Analysis of Shaman Between Two Worlds
The piece I chose for this assignment, Shaman Between Two Worlds, touches many different artistic elements, although for this blog I will just be focusing on: color, shape, and tone. Before I begin to analyze these elements however, I feel like it is important to recognize why someone should care about the deeper meanings behind the art. As stated by Dr. Mittman, understanding art can “enrich your life, open your eyes to new experiences, and expand your horizons” but above all else “art is a powerful means to see through the eyes of others” (Mittman). To me, this “ability” to put yourself in other’s shoes through art is on great display in Shaman Between Two Worlds.
Shaman Between Two Worlds, was created by the legendary indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau in Canada during the year 1980. Norval was born in Greenstone Canada in 1932 and would go on to become so popular and influential that he would become revered as the “Picasso of the North” (Smith 69). I recently discovered his work when reading an issue of the Smithsonian talking about the infamous art scam involving his work. After viewing several of his pieces, I instantly became enamored with them and decided to use him for this class if given the opportunity. So, when deciding on what work I wanted to highlight with this blog, I picked my favorite Norval piece, Shaman Between Two Worlds.
Shaman Between Two Worlds does an amazing job of giving insight into someone else's experiences, culture, and situation. In this case, Morrisseau depicts the struggles of indigenous people being caught between two separate worlds. Although for me, I interpreted the painting more as the experience of being caught between any two opposing forces in life. The conflict between modern and ancestorial ways of living for indigenous people is a knife-edge and both sides come with cuts. Norval shows the battle between work and rest, light and dark, and birth and death. This allows for each viewer of the painting to come away with multiple different understandings of the piece, that come together like a puzzle to get on top of its original message.
Due to the intricate and complicated nature of Shaman Between Two Worlds there is a plethora of different art elements used throughout. However, I will only be doing a deeper dive on color, shape, and tone. Color, even at first glance, is an integral part of the painting. Myriad bold hues populate the canvas creating a mysterious and chaos filled environment representing the struggle of the two “worlds” clashing. The painting is divided roughly in half by the two primary colors of red and blue, representing the two separate worlds. Even with their separation however, strands of each color cross and bisect each other showing the ever so thin veil between the two. The use of strange and alien shapes, reminiscent of Picasso, further adds to the air of mystery engaging the audience’s minds in what they represent. Some shapes take forms easy to recognize such as fish or turtles, while others are more obscure in their origins. Above these figures rises a powerful and striking bird that dominates the center of the canvas. This is easily my favorite part of Mr. Morrisseau’s creation. Not only because of the intense feelings of regality and protection it radiates in the midst of chaos, but also for the double entendre the bird represents. Mr. Morrisseau’s indigenous name is Copper Thunderbird, so by adding the “thunderbird” to the piece he is showing his own struggles with the strife between his two different ways of life.
The final element of Shaman Between Two Worlds that I will be touching upon is tone. Tone, although on less of a display than the previous two elements, is just as impactful. Mr. Morrisseau uses this element with astonishing proficiency to contrast the two different “worlds” as well make the numerous figures feel more powerful and vivid.
Overall, Shaman Between Two Worlds is an amazing piece of art that I would absolutely love to see in real life. Not only does it have stunning visuals, but the depth and background information add so much. Thanks for reading and see you next time!
Bibliography
Mittman, A. (2024) Introduction to Art Appreciation, Smarthistory. Available at: https://smarthistory.org/look-at-this-guide/ (Accessed: 01 June 2024).
Smith, J. (2024) “The Art of the Scam”, Smithsonian, 54(8), pp. 70–71.
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ReplyDeleteHey Vaughan,
ReplyDeleteYour analysis of Norval Morrisseau's painting "Shaman Between Two Worlds" is truly captivating and insightful. I appreciate your focus on the artistic elements of color, shape, and tone, and how they contribute to the overall depth and meaning of the artwork.
Your interpretation of the painting as depicting the struggles of indigenous people being caught between two separate worlds, and your broader view of it as symbolizing the experience of being caught between any two opposing forces in life, highlights the universal themes and emotional impact of the piece. It is clear that the painting holds profound significance and offers layers of interpretations that resonate with different viewers.
Your description of the bold and varied colors creating a mysterious and chaotic environment, along with the symbolism of the red and blue representing the two separate worlds, provides a vivid and evocative analysis of the use of color in the painting. Additionally, your observation of the intricate and enigmatic shapes, particularly the powerful and striking bird at the center, adds a deeper understanding of the visual elements and their connection to the artist's personal struggles.
Furthermore, your exploration of the use of tone to contrast the two different "worlds" and enhance the vividness of the figures demonstrates a keen eye for the nuances of the artwork.
Your enthusiasm for "Shaman Between Two Worlds" is palpable, and your analysis has shed light on the rich and complex nature of the painting. I look forward to reading more of your insights in the future!
Hello Vaughan,
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting piece of art; I'll be honest, I would typically have skipped right over this if I were at an art museum and thought it silly. But after reading its meaning and where it came from, I am excited about it. The life and history behind art are so important, as is what it represents for the artist, the culture, and the people. Your description is well written, and the way you describe color, shape, and tone, you obviously understand and appreciate art and its multitude of facets well. Great job!
Everything you did was fantastic. The only parts I think you may have skipped were "Would you own a copy of it?" and "Where would you like to see a work like this?" You did write that you would love to see it in real life, but would you put it in your kitchen? Fantastic job on the history and description. I look forward to reading your future blog posts!