Representation through Paint

                Before I attended the art gallery I thought that generally art was an esoteric pleasure of the wealthy, or elite with intrinsic value, but that depended on the form that it was presented to me generally. However, after attending the art display for class my perspective is very much changed, and hopefully I continue to be surprised by artistic representation like this. The expression portrayed in each piece surprised and captivated my emotion and imagination. It is by means of art that the very passions enjoy themselves. I would contend that the piece “In the Strength of the Lord” by Emily McPhie, has interesting contemporary as well as classical themes that increase its aesthetic value, is made up of a multi-layered construction of beauty, and is an interesting example of female empowerment and expression.

            Mrs. McPhie stated that this piece was centered on the dependence of family connections and existence in the framework of motherhood. This is a position that has been recently perceived as being disconnected from power, or certain values that are attained by women who work, or who have other duties that they feel are more exigent. I don’t doubt the validity or their arguments or positions, however motherhood is something that goes beyond traditional or even modern depictions of its value. This piece of art reflects a redescription of the traditional feminine role. Often mothers are seen from very conservative roles where they have strict objectives that have to be attained, and institutionalized guidelines that are often determined through a patriarchal lens, and demand to be followed. However, this piece of art portrays the role of motherhood and femininity as a synthesis of particular physical beauty with traditionally understood roles as a portion of her life, but she goes beyond them. This portrayal is unique because she remains partially unchanged, while rejecting traditional values. Mrs. McPhie emphasized that the new values that result ought to be a potential new description of motherhood.

            This reminded me of a very common idea in Nietzschean thought, the value hammer. Nietzsche proposes a creation of new values in the wake of rejection and deconstruction of prior ones, the metaphor that he often uses is the value hammer. In Beyond Good and Evil page 107 section 211, he says “Whatever is and was becomes for them (the Real Philosopher) an instrument, and a hammer. Their knowing is creating,” this reflects a theme from  the portrait in that, the woman turns the old values into instruments that transform themselves, but simultaneously bring her closer to God, and allow room for the new construction of values and interpretation. This is truly a beautiful as well as great example of the power of artistry and aesthetics.

            One of the themes that was emphasized in this particular picture was the use of color. Most of them are very light and author said that contrast was one of her objectives. Despite the use of fairly bright colors, the lines that separated them were very distinct, and it was easy to discern the separation of colors. The use of bright colors was well chosen because it reflected a tone of uplifting flow, but the contrast projected a feeling of underlying seriousness. The colors were well chosen.