Question

or the discussion, you will identify a work of art to analyze and interpret. Remember, it is important to use credible sites as you research. A site is credible if it is reliable, accurate, and trustworthy. Use the Website Evaluation Checklist to evaluate all sites prior to using their artwork. Select one work of art and share your interpretation. Post the artist, title, location of image, and your answer the following question: what feelings, moods, or ideas is the artist visually communicating?

Answer 1

For this discussion, I have chosen the artwork "Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh.

• Artist: Vincent van Gogh
• Title: Starry Night
• Location of Image: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City

Interpretation:

"Starry Night," painted in June 1889, is one of van Gogh's most famous works and is often celebrated for its vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes. The painting depicts a swirling night sky filled with bright stars above a quiet town and a looming cypress tree.

Feelings, Moods, or Ideas Communicated:

1. Emotional Turmoil: The dynamic, swirling patterns of the sky suggest a sense of turbulence and emotional unrest. Van Gogh painted "Starry Night" during his stay at the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where he struggled with mental illness. The movement in the sky reflects his inner turmoil and the chaos he felt in his own mind.

2. Wonder and Aspiration: Despite the turbulence, the stars create a feeling of wonder and aspiration. The brightness of the stars against the deep blue sky invites viewers to contemplate the vastness of the universe. This can evoke feelings of hope and possibility, suggesting that even amidst turmoil, beauty and inspiration can be found.

3. Isolation vs. Connection: The small village depicted in the painting reinforces a sense of isolation, while the enormous night sky above connects it to something much larger and cosmic. This juxtaposition speaks to the universal human experience of feeling small in the face of nature and the universe, yet connected to it by the shared experience of existence.

4. Nature's Power: The cypress tree, often associated with death, but depicted prominently reaching towards the sky, symbolizes a link between earth and the celestial. This serves to highlight nature’s power and permanence, contrasting the fleeting experience of human emotions.

In conclusion, "Starry Night" masterfully communicates complex feelings of emotional disturbance mingled with wonder and a connection to the vast universe. Van Gogh’s unique style and choice of color convey these emotions deeply, allowing viewers to feel and reflect on their interpretations.