Design Principles [Task 2 : Visual Analysis]

02.29.2024 - 03.07.2024  / week 4 - week 5

Sheryne Axellia Putri / 0367267 / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Design Principles  Task 2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Feedback

4. Reflection

←Task 1                                                                                                                                        

Task 3→

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          LECTURES          

Week 4  02.29.2023 - Visual Analysis

Visual Analysis → • Phase 1: Observation

                                • Phase 2: Analysis

                                • Phase 3: Interpretation

• Phase 1: Observation, looking closely, and identifying the visual elements with zero knowledge of the design.

• Phase 2: Analysis, expand, and describe in detail the observations you've made (with design principles).

• Phase 3: Interpretation, combine all the observations and analysis you did with the facts from the artist and historical context.

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          INSTRUCTIONS          

Figure 2.1 Week 4 (02/29/2024) Module Information Booklet.

Task 2: Visual Analysis

Document and analyze the existing art/design work you selected in Task 1. You will study the design principles found in that work, as well as the size, placement, purpose, and effectiveness of the design with the UNSDG goal that you have chosen.

1.1   Visual Analysis (presentation)

Figure 2.2 Week 4 (02/29/2024) Visual analysis presentation.

1.2   Visual Analysis (e-portoflio)

1. Observation

The first thing that catches our eyes is the large woman standing determinedly on top of the destroyed building, which emphasizes her as the piece's main focus. Her hand replacement holds a weight of balance. 

Figure 2.3 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Observation #1.

The contrast between a reddish-warm and brown-greyish palette could be interpreted as a comparison between energetic and lively colors versus grounding colors. The woman plays a central figure and there is a hierarchy between the woman and the destroyed buildings. The woman’s gaze fixated on the land behind her rather than the destruction below her.

Figure 2.4 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Observation #2.

2. Analysis

The woman plays a central figure and there is a hierarchy between the woman and the destroyed buildings. The woman’s gaze fixated on the land behind her rather than the destruction below her. The artist has stated that the land she is staring at is Jerusalem, and you could see the Al-Aqsa mosque. 

Figure 2.5 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Analysis #1.

I edited the artwork to be in grayscale, with or without the colors the woman remains to be the main focus.

Figure 2.6 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Analysis #2.

Using the Golden ratio shows the dynamic of the viewer’s eyes from the woman to the buildings. Leading the artwork to have a symmetrical balance.

Figure 2.7 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Analysis #3.

Figure 2.8 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Analysis #4.

A reddish warm color palette often features colors such as red, orange, and yellow. These colors are vibrant and engaging and can create a sense of warmth and strength of will. The contrast between these two color palettes could be seen as a reflection of the duality of energy and grounding. The interpretation of this contrast will depend on the context in which it is used, as well as the personal preferences and associations of the viewer.

Figure 2.9 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Analysis #5.

3. Interpretation

Figure 2.10 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Analysis #6.

Arrows usually symbolize a goal or destination. It is widely recognized that arrows are commonly used for navigation. The arrow may also represent the Palestinian woman “to move forward.”

There is another version of this piece, with the color of the sky being bright blue, along with the woman’s dress being dark blue. I do think the difference between the theme and color palette changes the mood. Using a color palette of dark yellow and green captures the emotional impact of Destruction and chaos. The use of blue gives the painting a sense of hope and determination.

Figure 2.11 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Interpretation #1.

The dress that the woman is wearing is Palestinian traditional clothing called “Thobe”. The dress is usually worn on special occasions such as weddings, and celebrations. The dress symbolizes the Palestinian woman's grace, elegance, and pride, and is an important part of the Palestinian cultural identity. (410 words).

Figure 2.12 Week 5 (03/07/2024) Interpretation #2.

References: 

https://www.jstor.org/stable/41342768?seq=2

https://anthrowcircus.com/the-embroidered-history-of-palestinian-and-jordanian-thobes-part-1

https://dafbeirut.org/en/imad-abu-shtayyah/works/1432-233293-we-shall-return

https://fawnachang.wordpress.com/2010/10/31/colors-and-their-energies/#:~:text=Brown%2C%20Tan%20and%20Beige%20These,weight%20gain%2C%20lethargy%20and%20depression.

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          FEEDBACK          

Week 5  03.07.2023

Specific feedback, The artwork I chose has a lot of metaphorical symbolism, try to evaluate and interpret based on my reaction and response towards the artwork.

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          REFLECTION          

Experience

I have made an interesting find doing this task, including the interpretation, it is mainly based on what I think, and from the information that I gather to conclude what the artwork meant, the interpretation allows me to see the artwork through perspectives and can change over time. It is a process that allows me to connect the artwork on a level for the artist's work.

Observations

After observing the artwork, it's important to analyze the composition, color, subject, and other elements that can provide us clues about the artist's intention. Observation is the first step in analyzing and interpreting an artwork, it's important to observe the artwork closely.

Findings

To do interpretation, it's better if we do research about the background of the artist, and the purpose of the artwork to know its significance. Articles can also help our understanding of a certain topic better, for example in my case, I researched about the Palestinian traditional dress to identify the meaning of the artwork as a cultural significance of the Palestinian women.