Quote:
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Originally Posted by Dr. Eugene Felikson
American Gothic
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I was originally intending to allow the painting speak for itself, but I think I'd enjoy writing a paragraph or two, explaining everything that I adore about this particular work of art.
First of all, it is simply a classic. A painting that has over-time nearly transformed itself into pop art in the same sense as the
Mona Lisa, or Munch's
The Scream. I strongly enjoy the distinct familiarity I feel with this image.
With that being said, this painting not only depicts the grass-roots of American culture, but the bare foundation of human existance. The farmer and his wife's faces are incredibly stale and disinterested. Perhaps, even bored and weathered.
The standard framing of the married couple resembles a modern day photograph taken on someone's front lawn during an important event (think prom pictures). But this is not a special day of any sort, and these faces are not cheerful, nor full of optimism. Instead we have life caught off-guard by the artist's brush; and are staring it's dullness, and hardships right in the eye.
This painting, to me, fully represents the cold truth of our existences.