More Art from NGA

Edmond AMAN-JEAN France 1858 – 1936
Portrait de Mlle. Moreno de la Comedie-Francaise. Ed. 100. (1897) Print
This portrait by Edmond Aman-Jean I found pleasing to the eye. The circular motion of the drawing, forming the image of a portrait of a female looking out of the frame, is very relaxing. I like how the artist has highlighted the woman’s face by the heavier motion to the left and right of the subject thus pulling the viewer into the gaze of the subject. The use of the hands around the face of the subject also frames her nicely, drawing one into the lips, the nose and finally up to the longing gaze of the subject, which made me wonder what was she thinking of at the time of the sketch? To me she looks happy and content and it leaves me with a sensation of happiness.

Chuck Close United States of America 1940 - Bob 1970
This painting of Chuck Close’s friend Robert Israel, a New York based opera designer, I found fascinating - almost a true representation of a large photograph. I actually thought it was a photograph until I read the info on the wall. Maybe that is why I like this piece of art; it tricked me into believing that what I was looking at was a photograph. The painting is very lifelike and again I relate to this in that way. I would say that the expression on Bob’s face is one of bewilderment and no doubt he was very happy with end result, as I know I would be if one of my mates had painted a portrait of me in a true life form.




Visual Culture: NGA Assignment 1
Trent Parke Australia 1921 -
“Today coldwater, George Street” 2005 Sydney Type C Colour- NGA 2006.424
One of Magnum’s young guns. The only Australian to be accepted into the prestigious agency. His interpretation of a Sydney street scene is busy. I like the use of the different lines in the photograph as well as the use of shadow and the harsh sidelight. The eye wanders around this picture, searching out different details. The female on the left of frame stands out strongly against the harsh contrast of the shadows behind her, thus making her a key figure in this picture. The light on the coldwater sign is the second item to leap out at you thus giving a soothing sensation on a hot summers day, to me the viewer. The shadows from the sign lead onto the two darkened figures under the awning walking towards the camera, giving a sense of darkness. Overall I do like this picture.