Chapter One: An Introduction to the Purpose of the Essay
The purpose of this essay is to research and evaluate the question: In what ways does Shepard Fairey's We the People series and Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter illustration reflect feminist movements in the US during their times? Both artists address the topic of feminism, but in different ways that are influenced by their era. To understand the influences of the artists, as both lived in very different times, it is necessary to explore not only their time, but their lives and artistic styles. Through doing so, an analysis of the selected works can be achieved to thoroughly answer the research question. Although Fairey and Rockwell present dramatically different illustrations, they …show more content…
Most times, what can be classified as a political piece often does not appear to uphold the common belief of what political art is. Political art is quite difficult to define because it ranges from pieces that are obviously political to those subtler in message (Croiheain). Political art is associated with an image that challenges or supports the status quo and is described as art that is “doing something” by addressing social or political issues (Tate). Its message usually is intended to empower individuals and communities, but is also open for various interpretations (Tate). The term “political art” can be divided into three different categories, according to Irish artist, Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin. The first type is portrayal, which is art that exemplifies the idea that “this would happen if this happens now or has happened in the past” (Croiheain). Like the term suggests, this form of art tends to describe situations that people find themselves in, which can cause for multiple perspectives (Croiheain). For example, in art depicting 19th century slavery, one can find that two perspectives arise from one illustration: how a slave should be treated or the horrid treatment of slaves (fig. 3). With open interpretation, both sides have value. The second type is promotion, which highlights the means and ways towards the resolution of a problem (Croiheain). It also concentrates on
The purpose of this essay is to research and evaluate the question: In what ways does Shepard Fairey's We the People series and Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter illustration reflect feminist movements in the US during their times? Both artists address the topic of feminism, but in different ways that are influenced by their era. To understand the influences of the artists, as both lived in very different times, it is necessary to explore not only their time, but their lives and artistic styles. Through doing so, an analysis of the selected works can be achieved to thoroughly answer the research question. Although Fairey and Rockwell present dramatically different illustrations, they …show more content…
Most times, what can be classified as a political piece often does not appear to uphold the common belief of what political art is. Political art is quite difficult to define because it ranges from pieces that are obviously political to those subtler in message (Croiheain). Political art is associated with an image that challenges or supports the status quo and is described as art that is “doing something” by addressing social or political issues (Tate). Its message usually is intended to empower individuals and communities, but is also open for various interpretations (Tate). The term “political art” can be divided into three different categories, according to Irish artist, Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin. The first type is portrayal, which is art that exemplifies the idea that “this would happen if this happens now or has happened in the past” (Croiheain). Like the term suggests, this form of art tends to describe situations that people find themselves in, which can cause for multiple perspectives (Croiheain). For example, in art depicting 19th century slavery, one can find that two perspectives arise from one illustration: how a slave should be treated or the horrid treatment of slaves (fig. 3). With open interpretation, both sides have value. The second type is promotion, which highlights the means and ways towards the resolution of a problem (Croiheain). It also concentrates on