Arts Explorer #3: Fine Art Critique

Art word of the week: Space

     Space is "determined by the size of the canvas, and the arrangement of elements which includes how many shapes and symbols will be used, and how much room or blank space will be left" (Schirrmacher & Fox, 2009, p. 143). In discussing space there are two types- positive and negative. Positive space is essentially the space taken up by subject matter and negative space is the space left between the subject matter. As we will see space is a critical element of art and aesthetics as it furthers the mood represented and reinforced within the piece.

     As part of our CLD 215 class, we were all lucky enough to travel to the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) to learn more about the fabulous and intriguing world of art, and more importantly creativity!  Walking into the various rooms of art- filled masterpieces was awing and captivating. I ventured into the "Clash of Styles" room where I was completely drawn to this piece...

artmagick.com

     This painting is called "Ever Open Door" or "The Open Door" by Sigismund Christian Hubert Goetze and is an "allegorical religious picture". In describing this piece I see two "ghosts" or "spirits" intruding on a group of people. Terror, distraught, and fearfulness are all emotions seen among the citizens. I notice the aspects of both life and death in this painting as well. Death is seen within  the body laying on the ground and also within those in the presence of the spirits. Life is seen among the colourful flowers and the children who are purposefully given a sense of innocence and purity. 

     I think that what the artist is trying to say is there is life and death among everything in the world. Goetze might also be trying to suggest life and death is a continuous cycle- that is, things are born to die. 

     To be completely honest, although I do not fully understand this painting I absolutely love it. I love the meaning (the one I am placing on it) behind the work. When I first saw this piece I stood in front of it trying to come up with some explanation for what it means. The fact that there are so many stories being told from just one painting is intriguing at the least. I think I also love this painting because it puts things into perspective. Instead of being all positive or all negative, this painting combines both aspects which is what life is essentially all about. 

     I also enjoy how Goetze used his sense of space. The piece of artwork itself was large and I love how there is no negative space. I feel like this is the type of artwork you could just stare at forever, continually picking up new details and creating a new story every time. 

Although I am not completely sure about the background information behind this painting I love using my creativity and imagination in thinking of what it could mean...
     In inviting children to visit an art gallery, educators and teachers alike have the ability to learn more about their emotional and social development. Encouraging children to explain how they feel when looking at different pieces of artwork also creates the ability to let children open up and talk about feelings- a hard task to do at such a young age. Children should also be encouraged to engage in their own forms of art- drawing things that have special meanings to them such as going for a picnic, or spending time with their families. Letting children express their emotions through art is a skill that will be very important as they grow up and mature in society as well- learning to do constructive things with their energy and not deconstructive things is essential. 

"All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth."

- Friedrich Nietzsche


Schirrmacher, R. , & Englebright Fox, J. . (2009). Art & creative development for young children. Belmont, California : Delmar Cengage Learning.