GCD 60804 / Design Principles - Task 2: Visual Analysis

22/2/2024 - 7/3/2024 / Week 3 - Week 5
Cindy Clarissa Leslie / 0367677
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 2: Visual Analysis


LECTURES
Week 3: Lecture 6

Visual Analysis

method to further understand a design based on its visual elements and principles, observe the artistic choices and how it is used to convey their messages There are three phases:
  • Observation
  • Analysis
  • Interpretation
Observation refers to the process of identifying the visual elements found and describing them briefly through your own perspective

Analysis refers to making statements of your own observations, comment on the effects towards the viewers.

Interpretation refers to the combination of both facts and your observations, especially based on historical facts. This part should be able to showcase the purpose and meaning of the design. 


INSTRUCTIONS




Task 2: Visual Analysis

Figure 2.1, Untitled (Self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird) by Frida Kahlo, 1940. 62.5 x 48.0 cm, oil on canvas.
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/untitled-self-portrait-with-thorn-necklace-and-hummingbird-frida-kahlo/MwHFAKi5c5lw2g?hl=en

    Right in the center of the artwork, we can observe Frida Kahlo herself in the foreground, serving as the focal point of the composition. There are also other elements accompanying her in the foreground, where Kahlo can be seen to be surrounded by different kinds of animals, ranging from the hummingbird found in the lower half of the composition to the butterflies in the upper half. The artwork contains a lot of natural elements, with dominant leaves surrounding her in the background. Based on the visual elements, the painting is dominated by warm colors, with the composition mainly being green, yellow, and black/dark brown. The artwork is drawn with organic, curvy shapes. 

    Repetition can be found in the background within the leaves, creating a pattern that would eventually resemble a forest setting. There is also movement observed in the thorns, where it seems like it continues to grow down from her neck towards her body. Movement is also shown with the dragonflies flying onto her head. The composition gives off a sense of balance as both sides of the artwork are symmetrical. Harmony can be found in the artwork through the consistent use of warm-toned colors, creating a coherent mood and style. Unity is present with the placement of each element in the artwork; proportions also take place in how the artwork overall flows; the audience would automatically land first on Kahlo herself before observing her surroundings. 

    This self-portrait serves as a visual outlet for her negative emotions caused by the misfortunes in her life, where she was bedridden and had to go through a failed marriage. The movement of the thorns going from strangling her throat towards her body itself signifies the extent of how suffocated she feels, to the point where it is about to 'consume her whole'. The forest setting from the repetition itself would represent her state of mind, where she felt lost with no way out. Kahlo utilized a lot of symbolism in the painting; the monkey could represent how her ex-husband haunts her, especially when he gifted her a pet monkey; the cat is colored black, which is commonly symbolized as bad luck. Despite all of these circumstances, the dead hummingbird states her desire for freedom and renewal.


References

“Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, 1940, by Frida Kahlo.” FridaKahlo, www.fridakahlo.org/self-portrait-with-thorn-necklace-and-hummingbird.jsp. 

“Untitled (Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird) - Frida Kahlo - Google Arts & Culture.” Google, Google, artsandculture.google.com/asset/untitled-self-portrait-with-thorn-necklace-and-hummingbird-frida-kahlo/MwHFAKi5c5lw2g?hl=en. 

V., Andrey. “The Importance of the Frida Kahlo Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.” Widewalls, 7 July 2018, www.widewalls.ch/magazine/frida-kahlo-self-portrait-with-thorn-necklace-and-hummingbird.

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