Auguste Rodin once stated, “What is commonly called ugliness in nature, can in art become full beauty”. In Rodin’s sculpture The Kiss, made from 1901 to 1904, he applies his own philosophy to showcase the relationship of Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Ramini from Dante’s Inferno, in the impressionism period. The marble sculpture depicts the two nude, sensually embracing in a corkscrew with their hands all over each other, sitting upon a rough rock-like structure. The sculpture is carved in the round and has subtle, but noticeable imperfections throughout.
Paolo as the idealized tall male figure tilts his head down towards Francesca, as she kisses him and entwines her arms around his neck and back. Paolo’s right hand holds onto her hip as …show more content…
He addresses how consumerism affected the way of many across the nation ever since the 1970s. The 70s were when consumerism was at its peak – household items were being mass produced, mail-order catalogs came into the scene, and increased advertisements were used to induce shoppers.
In no way did Hanson want his work to be compared to the figures in a wax museum, his work contained much more complexity and expression than the ones found in waxworks. Hanson’s piece relies on hyper realism to convey his message; he creates a duo that looks natural, un-posed and authentic. He states: "I'm mostly interested in the human form as subject matter and means of expression for my sculpture. What can generate more interest, fascination, beauty, ugliness, joy, shock or contempt than a human being” (Hanson). Hanson strays away from the path of an idealized form with a perfect physique and god-like presence. While poking fun at consumers at that time, he also presents viewers with the “common man” and forces us to face the reality of human behaviour. Hanson does not glorify humans; he exposes his audience to how the world is. Humans can be overweight, flawed, and disfigured. Humans are ordinary. Duane Hanson’s Tourists allows us to clear the perspective we view the world from, through his endeavor …show more content…
He skillfully showcases the moment shared by the lovers, but also manages to show hints to the backstory (ex. the book) and show their near doom. Another characteristic of impressionism is the technique of carving the marble, so the surface appears to be worked by hand. Rodin never referred to himself as an impressionist sculptor however, his vigorous, loose sculpting techniques, mimic those of impressionists who used loose and broken brushstrokes. This creates a slight scuffed, irregular appearance; as well as an interesting way to capture light and create shadows. This technique is most seen in the rock structure, which adds a very nice contrast to the sleek and smooth bodies. Although Rodin is considered a modern sculptor, his style and creativity allows his audience to see both the future and the
Paolo as the idealized tall male figure tilts his head down towards Francesca, as she kisses him and entwines her arms around his neck and back. Paolo’s right hand holds onto her hip as …show more content…
He addresses how consumerism affected the way of many across the nation ever since the 1970s. The 70s were when consumerism was at its peak – household items were being mass produced, mail-order catalogs came into the scene, and increased advertisements were used to induce shoppers.
In no way did Hanson want his work to be compared to the figures in a wax museum, his work contained much more complexity and expression than the ones found in waxworks. Hanson’s piece relies on hyper realism to convey his message; he creates a duo that looks natural, un-posed and authentic. He states: "I'm mostly interested in the human form as subject matter and means of expression for my sculpture. What can generate more interest, fascination, beauty, ugliness, joy, shock or contempt than a human being” (Hanson). Hanson strays away from the path of an idealized form with a perfect physique and god-like presence. While poking fun at consumers at that time, he also presents viewers with the “common man” and forces us to face the reality of human behaviour. Hanson does not glorify humans; he exposes his audience to how the world is. Humans can be overweight, flawed, and disfigured. Humans are ordinary. Duane Hanson’s Tourists allows us to clear the perspective we view the world from, through his endeavor …show more content…
He skillfully showcases the moment shared by the lovers, but also manages to show hints to the backstory (ex. the book) and show their near doom. Another characteristic of impressionism is the technique of carving the marble, so the surface appears to be worked by hand. Rodin never referred to himself as an impressionist sculptor however, his vigorous, loose sculpting techniques, mimic those of impressionists who used loose and broken brushstrokes. This creates a slight scuffed, irregular appearance; as well as an interesting way to capture light and create shadows. This technique is most seen in the rock structure, which adds a very nice contrast to the sleek and smooth bodies. Although Rodin is considered a modern sculptor, his style and creativity allows his audience to see both the future and the