An interesting short film, which I learned was an influence on David Lynch. Many postmodern principles are present in this film, including juxtaposition of radically disparate elements and recontextualization: repositioning the familiar in relation to the unfamiliar (Gude, p.9). Another principle exhibited in this film is layering (Gude, p.10). Images and scenes are repeated with new elements being added each time. The soundtrack of the film often lends sound effects to the scene (e.g. the key dropping on the stairs, and the skipping of the record player), an element of hybridity (Gude, p.10). The issue of gazing is also present- a shifting context within which a familiar image is seen- and brings up many questions: who creates and controls? How does it affect our understanding of reality? Who is being looked at and who does the looking? (Gude, p.10, 11). Wexler also has some ideas that pertain to this film, such as the boundary between looking and participating in art and the deconstruction of knowledge and power (p.25). The realtionship between subject-object creates aesthetic empathy for the viewer, affecting one's concept of the relation between self and world (p.31).
I thought the movie did a good job of exploring the boundary between shadow and substance, especially in the early scenes. The close-up on the eye leads us into a dream sequence which becomes disoriented, and scenes are repeated with added elements, and it seems as though one is watching the watchers while simultaneously watching the self. Perhaps the juxtaposition of knife/key/flower in these instances are symbolic of the different aspects of one's personality? Overall, I thought the movie could be a metaphor for life: the flower representing the innocence of youth, the repeated scenes and objects being the mundane aspects of day-to-life in middle age, and then death at the end.
Mark Ryden
For a contemporary artist, I chose Mark Ryden. Ryden uses recurring themes in his work, many of which are present in this work: meat, Abraham Lincoln, and children. Ryden combines the appropriation of familiar, iconic images, the juxtaposition of radically disparate elements, and the repositioning of the familiar in relation to the unfamiliar (along with deconstruction) to create a provoking and energetic piece of art. Take a gander at www.markryden.com to see more.
Image from Google: Mark Ryden - Meat Train
Hi RD,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know more about what draws you to this particular piece! Is this your favorite work of his?
-March
That's interesting that you thought the close-up of the eye lead viewers into a dream. That was my original thought as well. The young woman never returns from the dream, even after her death, which made me think it might not be a one.
ReplyDeleteLaura, I chose this piece because it exhibited many of Ryden's common themes together. I like how the innocence of childhood is juxtaposed with images invoking a butcher's display. My favorite is probably a picture of Jimi Hendrix standing on a raw steak with an eye in the middle of his chest- it seems like a play on a "sacred heart" icon.
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