Art, as we discussed in last week’s post, serves as a powerful form of social commentary. It often highlights war, oppression, and inequality, serving as a powerful tool to shed light on these pressing issues.
GUERNICA
One notable example is Picasso’s “Guernica.” Created in response to the horrific carpet bombing of the town of Guernica by Nazi planes in 1937, the painting stands as a testament to Picasso’s desire to ensure that such an event would not go unnoticed and would never be forgotten. With its massive size of 7 meters by 3 meters, “Guernica” employs scale to create a profound impact, making it impossible to ignore.
Unlike other forms of media and communication, art has a unique ability to create an indelible mark on the viewer. It cannot be easily dismissed or overlooked, unlike newspaper articles that are often archived and forgotten. The sheer size of “Guernica” ensures that it cannot be missed, even in a crowded museum.
The image itself is chaotic and reminiscent of war. To the right, three women are fleeing a burning building, while in the center, an impaled horse lies under a light. To the left, a screaming mother clutches her dead baby, all overlooking a bull that appears indifferent to the unfolding tragedy.
Initially, “Guernica” was met with criticism and disapproval from the people of Guernica due to Picasso’s grotesque style. However, over time, it has gained acceptance and is now an integral part of the town’s tourism campaign.
THE RAFT OF THE MEDUSA
Another powerful example of art as social commentary is “The Raft of the Medusa.” Created by Théodore Géricault, this painting depicts the harrowing scene of a shipwrecked crew on a makeshift raft, which was cut loose from lifeboats by a negligent captain.
As the raft drifts in the vast ocean, cannibalism occurs, and only 15 of the 150 crew members are rescued, leaving only seven survivors in the end. “The Raft of the Medusa” captures the raw emotions and desperation of the situation, serving as a stark reminder of the human condition in the face of adversity.
Gericault’s painting, akin to Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, exudes immense scale and delivers a profound impact on anyone in its presence. Standing at over 16 feet tall and 23 feet wide, it cannot be overlooked. While news accounts of the tragedy might have informed you, nothing can truly encapsulate such power and bring it to life as a colossal mural-sized painting.
In contrast to Picasso’s Cubist, avant-garde style, Gericault’s painting is meticulously rendered, capturing the gruesome scene in vivid detail.
Upon its debut in the Paris salon, the painting caused a sensation due to its graphic depiction of death. While death had been portrayed in art before, Gericault’s portrayal was unlike anything seen before.
In the distance, a small ship might lead you to believe that the crew is being rescued, but you would be mistaken. The rescue ship, passing by, initially fails to notice the raft, and it would still be some time before it is discovered. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of hope.
Next week we will discuss examples of how art is used to document history.
Read more: Why Art is the Most Powerful form of Social CommentaryThe purpose of art is not to produce a product but to produce thinking
Elbert Hubbard