FAC

The artwork by Cyrus Moffett entitled, “Untitled” was constructed during the artists last year of life in 1968. This piece is abstract, innovative and eye-catching. The artist was experimenting with the use of color and the impact that it can have on the interpretation of art. The colors that he chose are bold such as dark orange, black, bright blue, and forest green. These colors can be interpreted in many ways. One, however, would be that these colors invoke a sense of masculinity to the viewer. These colors are traditionally projected to mean strength, adventure, confidence, daringness, and power. According to Berger [on masculinity], “A man’s presence is dependent upon the promise of power of which he embodies… a man’s presence suggests what he is capable of doing to you or for you” (Berger, 45-46). These colors do speak those traditional masculine projections on me. When I see the colors orange and black together I think of construction and work. When I see the color forest green I think of lumber and adventure.  Society has taught us that these colors represent certain traits, however, what would happen if we took away our personal projections on these colors? What other types of beauty would the art piece speak? I do find it interesting how powerful color is in our society and how easily those colors and meanings are recognized. For instance, if there were a twin piece to “Untitled” but it was painted with pinks, whites, and purples. The brain would automatically assume that the painting was supposed to be representing femininity. I think that it becomes dangerous when we start putting something like masculinity and femininity into white and black terms. I think that as education progresses and people begin to question how we define masculine and feminine traits the more the art world and our interpretations will progress as well. By exploring art and museums like The Fine Art Center we are able to become aware of our own thoughts, prejudices and projections by analyzing our interpretation of different art pieces. Thus, proving the legitimacy of the arts and how vital they are to the understanding of humanity.

Works Cited

Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. London: British Broadcasting, 1972. Print