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Comparison And Contrast Of Art

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Comparison and Contrast of Art
Art is able to transport its viewer through time and connect us as a community. Audiences are able to infer the content and context of the artwork. Art displayed through different mediums and about different topics can share many similarities and draw connections between one another. Exodus, created by Shelby Lechman (2015), uses oil paint on canvas to depict a young boy and father in a train car, leaving their home in Hungary during the time of the Hungarian Revolution (fig.1). Back into the Earth: Creation and the Interpretation of Meaning, created by Tamara Himmelspach (2015) is a series of 11 prints and a physical dress displaying the designer in a jingle dress representing the traditions of the Ojibwa culture …show more content…

However, the works must be examined on a deeper level because there are many similarities in their imagery and emotional relevance. Figure 1 and 2 are both inspired by home roots. Exodus came to be when Lechman was inspired by a conversation with a Hungarian man (BMO fig.1). The man shared a story of how “whenever he puts his head under water, the sounds of the water jets remind him of being a little boy riding on the train back in Hungary” (Paradzik 1). This spurred her vision of the train car and leaving Hungary. Her research of this time period comes through the painting along with the man’s personal experience and struggles. Furthermore, Figure 2 connects to its home roots when Himmelspach designed a dress representing her connection with the Ojibwa culture. She attempts to display a physical representation of the female role in 17th century Canada. The dress is a “symbol of healing” (Kalbfleisch 6) and the important role women played when keeping the community united during hardships. The imagery of these works are evoking a connection to home; whether having to leave it or being able to celebrate it. Both support the human condition whether through Ojibwa or Hungarian origins. The jingle dress is a symbol of reclaiming land and its histories. The sense of community and gathering in Himmelspach’s images and physical dress is a tribute to the love and history that went into creating the dress …show more content…

However, further connection in context and content can be developed when analyzing the connection of the works roots and art in history. Exodus exhibits the reality of human suffering as a result of war and oppression during the Hungarian Revolution. The historical relevance of this work dives into a deeper significance than its basic face value. The oppression and struggle for power signified in Exodus also translates into Figure 2. Both cultures, in their own time have faced their traditions and way of life being threatened. As Hungarian citizens are forced to leave their country, Ojibwa members were constantly threatened by European immigrants. The human experience is key in understanding and studying art. Besides the main styles and usage in appearance, the connection to a point in time and the influence of that time allows the audience to connect with the artist and the characteristics of the artwork. Audiences are able to connect past themes to present day issues, such as the difficulties facing many Syrian refugees and the numerous Native American women who have gone missing. The importance of home and culture is evident in both works despite their different purposes and artistic modes. Limits are explored and barriers of past, present are future are removed when audiences are able to interpret the work from any point in time and understand the significance of its visual and non-visual means.

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