Bill Reid, Killer Whale, Description

Bill Reid, Killer Whale

Bill Reid’s Killer Whale is a beautiful mixture of curved, flowing lines and hard edges.  The large, cylindrical head blends in to the crescent form of the body.  The crescent form can also be seen in the fins and tail, repeating a number of times throughout the work.  A hard-edged, flowing U shape outlines the mouth.  Inside, the teeth are represented as a series of interlocking, repeating triangle shapes.  The repeating circular shapes enhance the large spherical eyes.  The smooth and polished body is inlayed with circular and organic shapes.

The contrast between the soft flowing curves and hard edges create a very striking piece.  The repeating forms and shapes strengthen the sculpture by creating balance throughout.  The flowing crescent shapes create a sense of movement and guide the viewer’s eye through the entire piece.  As the tail delicately rests on the base, the space surrounding the sculpture gives it a sense of weightlessness.

Photo Credit: Travis S.

Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/baggis/2381756103/in/photolist-9XTLXE-3okRkV-8bUd7-7EwooQ-9cNUS-4Ct87p-6h517c-6h9dm9-9RXH5g-8Fku6m-3JxMve-CcUrQ-6KHoMW-78aGhL-786PBZ-78aH8E-jzXsj-joJXM-joJQN-joJUB-586aNh-581XX4-586ahJ-586axA-bmk8NW-pWUCoi-rwqxpy-enV42y-6vsLw6-6vsMjt-6vwXqE-bKdC9F-4KR54f-aeC3V3-3smwyN-57He7B-8c3g1-5h99NV-56HX3M-56NV6E-71ixsc-9oKjsS-8wdRA8-pSv2L5-9nnDWA-z8CsJ-aJmCh-cVR9P-9Qrhj-5e5gLy

Shiva as Nataraja Description

This is a sculpture of Shiva, made in India during the Chola period, 11-12th century. It is made from bronze and is 32" in height. The lines used in this piece are almost all rounded and formed around the figure. There are many square-like patterns used around the ring of the sculpture and also in the jewelry around Shiva's neck and in the base. The value in the piece shows Shiva as slightly lighter bronze than the rest of the sculpture, presumably so that she stands out more. The figure itself is posed with arms out to the sides, holding up the ring around it, and its other arms are facing outward towards the viewer. Its leg is also held outward while the other leg stands atop a demon-like figure. The sculpture has a surprising amount of negative space around the main focus of the piece. The texture looks very smooth in the figures and the base, but the head piece and the ring around the sculpture looks very sharp or even menacing in some way. The flames around the ring gives the piece a sense of power and ferocity.

The balance and movement of this piece were perfected very nicely. The piece, although more left side oriented, still remains balanced due to the ring and the figure along the bottom. There is a large sense of unity in this piece and everything works very well together, even though the flames are not used anywhere else in the piece. They still serve a visually pleasing purpose. The proportions show that Shiva is the main focus, rather than the demon she is standing on and the ring, although larger than Shiva, still keeps the attention held on her. There is a lot of emphasis on Gods standing on demons to show their power and I think the piece really demonstrates power and strength as well as protection.

Image Attribution: Augustus Binu

  

Bharat Mata Description                   

 This painting demonstrates a highly simplistic style, utilizing large amounts of empty space around the figure as well as the muted color palate. The primary colors throughout this piece range from warm oranges down to soft greens. This use of color allows for a blended value within the painting.Cylinders and circles create the basic shape of the woman and again lends a softness to the piece.The lines that are used in this painting are extremely clean and precise, the woman and the objects are clearly outlined. 

There is a sense of balance and unity created by this painting. The woman's arms are positioned in a very natural and proportionate way, giving her a realistic appearance. The lightening of color and the highlight of blue behind her head emphasizes the woman's face as the focal point. The graceful way the woman is standing gives the piece a sense of movement, the eye naturally flows from her face down to her feet.