Transcript Final Audio Visual

Interpretation and
Evaluation
By Anton Mararenko
Interpretation and Evaluation
 Interpretation and Evaluation are two great tools that help us
understand the message behind a work of art.
 Together, they piece all the elements of the artwork together
and allow us to judge them.
 Such elements could be techniques, the terrain, or even
something as simple as emotions within the artwork.
The Good Stuff is in the Middle
 A work of art is like an Oreo
cookie, the good stuff is in
the middle.
 Interpretation and
Evaluation help us go
through the layers of an
artwork and understand
each on its own.
 Then we understand the
meaning behind it.
Inanimate Objects
 Also, think of the dark cookie
as a barrier that has to be
overcome to understand the
meaning of an artwork.
 The cookie can represent
inanimate objects that we may
not analyze closely and take
for granted.
 For example, something as
simple as a traffic sign.
 We will see such an example
later on.
So what’s the point of Interpreting and
Evaluating?
 Good question.
 Interpretation is a process when the mind scopes in on
individual details and stores it in “files” in the brain.
 Once enough details have been gathered, we begin to
evaluate what these details mean and make one statement.
 These processes help break through that ambiguous dark
cookie and get to the clearer picture which in this case, is
represented by the creamy inside.
Some works of Art are repulsive.
 Not true.
 Although some photographs or paintings may not
be our cup of tea, there is a reason for this.
 It is because the artist did a very good job hiding all
the elements and the message itself in the work
that we simply take it for granted and turn it away.
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
 First I will give you an
opportunity to
consider this scene,
and think about what
you see.
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Furthermore,
 If we think, many paintings that are found in
exhibits are usually not grass fields with beautiful
flowers or a nice sky with clouds.
 They’re usually intriguing and some point, a little
odd.
Astor Place, 1932
 First notice how the shade
occupies a large portion of
the scene.
 Next notice the billboard
that advertises Steel.
 Also notice the 2 light
traffic sign and the keep
right symbol. These are
two inanimate objects we
may have over looked at
first.
 There are also 2 nuns on
the corner.
 However, where is the
Church?
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Astor Place, 1932 by Francis Criss
Evaluate
 Now we can use the details
we interpreted and evaluate
them.
 First the billboard. It is large
and in the middle of the
scene, so it must be of
importance.
 Next, the sign is shining
brightly on the billboard. This
adds emphasis.
 Also, the keep right sign is
pointing in the direction of
the billboard and away from
the shade.
 It is almost as if it is try to
guide us in the “right way”.
 Finally, the 2 light traffic light
is either red or green.
 This could mean that you’re
either in the business (of
steel) or not. There’s no time
to think.
Walter Miller Shooting from Woolworth
Building, 1912-1913
 In this photograph we see
a man sitting on a steel
beam that is protruding
from the unfinished
skyscraper.
 This photograph
emphasizes the power and
dominance of large
buildings, or in respect to
the previous painting, to
steel.
Walter Miller Shooting from Woolworth
Building, 1912-1913
 Now let’s consider the
photographers perspective
on this photo.
 He took the shot from the top
down.
 This was done to give a birds
view of the entire city.
 Also, this helps emphasize on
the grandiose achievement
made by the engineers on
creating such a massive
building.
Interpretation and Evaluation
 As demonstrated by
the examples,
Interpretation and
Evaluation are two
incredible ways to
understand a work of
art.
 Furthermore, the two
processes help us understand
the meaning behind an
artwork and also appreciate
how the artist hides such
details but also connects
them.
 Through thorough
Interpreting and Evaluating,
we can also get a rush of
emotions because we can
easily connect with the scene.
What happens next?
 Well, if you carefully
Interpret and Evaluate a
work of art, then you have a
feeling of satisfaction
because you solved the
puzzle.
 Personally, I feel great when
I figure out the message
behind a photograph and I
appreciate the hard work
and creativity the artist put
into it.
So,
 Never give up on an artwork.
 All artworks have a hidden message behind them and a
meaning.
 And be sure to never judge a work of art by your first
impression, give it a chance.