Narrative Art and Artists

[Flay]

Ho-hum... We've been given art essay we've been given over the summer holidays, but I'm having a bit of trouble starting, so I'm hoping someone here may be able to help me out. The question is:

‘In essay form, describe the way two artists use symbolism to create narratives in their work. In your answer refer to at least two artworks from each artist.’

I've chosen my first artist - Sidney Nolan (and his 'Kelly' series (http://www.artfacts.net/index.php/pageType/exhibitionInfo/exhibition/23149/lang/1)) - but I can't seem to decide on a second. I have found a couple of historical artists who are possibilities (Géricault and his 'Raft of the Medusa', for example) but I still just can't make up my mind. Do you guys have any suggestions?

[subversive-imaginati]

Does it have to be a series? Or can you use two separate but similar works?

If you don't have to use a series then when it comes to symbolism, Salvador Dali might be a good choice, or indeed any of the Surrealists.

[kev ferrara]

SZUKALSKI!!! tons of symbolism and lots of fun!!

[Rabid]

I agree with Dali or Szukalski both are giood for narrative interpretation...

[Flay]

I thought of Dali too... But I've used him for two of my previous assignments (I love him that much ;)) so I'm not sure that's such a good idea. Thanks for the suggestions though, I'll look in to them but don't stop!

[Ian Mack]

hah! We were just discussing this in one of my classes today. I have some roundabout reading for you which might give you an idea of where to go.

First up is the term semiotics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotics). Basically the study of signs as related to communicating meaning. At the least, you'll get alot of interesting terms and ideas from reading about this.

Next up is an artist Hans Holbein: He was a portrait artist and the one I'm thinking of in particular is called The Ambassadors(img linked below). Within his portraits was alot of symbolism meant to tell a story. Basically that these guys were educated, wealthy, etc. He went a step further though and put in this wierd squiggle thing in the bottom. Looking at it straight on, it's nothing but from an oblique angle(the side), it's a skull! His intended meaning was that all of these things are great but we're all going to die anyway.

Many dutch realist artists did this as well by painting beeeaautiful, masterful still lifes and they always included something in it that would indicate the impermanance(not sure if this is a word) of life. ie. a dead flower, insect, etc.

Francisca Goya did a piece called the 3rd of may which is huge in narrative. It's linked below the Holbein piece. You can see three distinct states of being in the spanish guys(the guys with guns are french).

Holbein
http://web.mala.bc.ca/siemensr/teaching/holbein.jpg
Goya
http://www.smarthistory.org/images/goya3may.jpg

Well I hope this helps you to get a start. Y'know what's wierd? This morning I saved this thread to reply later as I thought I had something to say. Next thing you know, all of my classes today touched on it in some way or another.