Guernica

1. Use the vocabulary you have learned in class to describe this artwork or performance in detail.

This artwork of Picasso’s uses geometric shapes and lines to create recognizable images. At first you may not notice everything that is within this artwork, but the more you look at it the more you begin to notice.  There is a lot of symbolism in this artwork.  The choice of color pallet creates great contrast in the artwork.  

2. What processes were used to create this work? What social influences might the artist be responding to and why?

This piece was created in response to the Bombing of Guernica.  Politics played a huge role in the symbolism in this artwork.  

3. What is the relationship of this work to the time and society in which it was created? Describe the symbols used to express this relationship. 

Over the years there have been several interpretations of this artwork and the symbols, and they often contradict one another.  During this time the Spnish Civil war was taking place and the artwork was created after the Bombing of Guernica, which was a small town in Spain.  

4. Identify elements in the work that evoke a persuasive or emotional response. Be specific about what those responses are and why.

You can feel emotion in this artwork just by what is going on it in. The poses and facial expression evoke a dark time.  Also the fact he uses a gray color pallet evokes a depressing theme.  He did not want this to be depicted as fun or playful. 

5. Evaluate what you perceive to be the strengths and weaknesses of the work.  Apply discipline specific vocabulary and concepts when describing your point of view.

I think a strength of this artwork was that at the time is was very modern.  Some people didn’t like it because it was so different. I think that’s one of the things that made this piece so memorable.  Another strength would be the fact that it was so political and in response to something that was going on then.  He created an artwork of his emotion and how he felt about the situation which is risky especially when talking about a societal issue.