My Essay-
Below The Surface Of The Virgin By Razzledazzlethem
Introduction
The wonderment of the human body has always interested me, especially the unique process of pregnancy. The amazement of the female womb, a living human form developing deep within it.
Discussing pregnancy in 'art' and focusing on Damien Hirst 'The Virgin Mother' sculptures will be examined. Historical examples, artists to whom Hirst refers and other pieces of Hirst's work in relation to his statues will be debated.
Why he names them will be explored, the limits it takes in relation to this subject will be viewed and it's suitability as a subject for art will be given thought. Also suggestions as to why this subject has so long been popular in art.
How and when does art go too far within this subject and become to disturbing and gruesome for the viewer to view!
Also to examination as to why this particular area of art interests the artist Damien Hirst, throughout the history of his career and to the present day.
Admiration could be given to Hirst in regards to how his work interlinks along side science, showing aspects of the wonderment to live in life. His view of the" in your face" approach makes you feel totally involved in his work and enables us to consider in depth about life and living.
The first edition of 'The virgin mother' (see fig1) is on display in New York outside Lever House Restaurant, whilst being presented in a completely different atmosphere to the second edition placement which was exhibited in the courtyard of the Royal Academy. (see fig2) This summer exhibition was the largest open contemporary art exhibition in the world, gathering together a wide range of new work by both established and unknown living artists. Whilst A third edition of 'The Virgin Mother' was currently being cast at the same time.
Chapter two discusses and examines reviews and critical articles and compares how different audiences are addressed.
A number of important questions are asked such as.
What type of audience is being addressed? Is it specifically aimed at the general public or the already established art audience readers, or both? Also at times can the reviews and articles be too advance and technical in "art language" for the general public to understand and enjoy?
