Duane Michal

Duane Michal uses many techniques in her photos which each have specific meaning.  Usually, when I look at artistic photos I can feel what they trying to do.  It was not until I read exactly how they are trying to portray their message, that I could pinpoint my feelings. It is fascinating to read about how artists use different techniques such as soft outlines to show identity. Art can be appreciated by anyone of all ages.  It shows how differently people view art after becoming educated about it. Before reading the article I could have never understood each picture and how the artist was trying to portray their message in a scholarly way.  For example, if I looked at some artwork I may have thought it looked old.  I wouldn’t have directly connected my feelings as the artist intentionally representing history and process.  I would have looked at Duane Michal's The True Identity of Man, and thought it was just a creepy picture.  Instead with the title and the knowledge of art, it means so much more.  After reading the title I can see that gender is an issue within the artwork. Then I can can start to see so much more meaning in the picture. The knowledge I now have allows me to see more of the techniques Michal’s uses such as reduced opacity, soft outline links, perspectival space, and stacked planes.  All of the artwork shown in the article has many great example of the different techniques used. One of my personal favorites was Martina Lopez’s artwork.  That is why I chose her artwork to share.  I think the monochrome picture compliments the color in the picture. I really enjoy the shades of colors she chooses to place with the monochrome portrait.  I think it really stands out and makes her artwork appealing.