Exploring "Jean-Baptiste Belley" by Omar Diop
Upload the document in the Assignment tab as a PDF or Word document. Format: Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt, double-spaced. Include a photograph of the original work and your re-created version of it. Length: 1250 (minimum) to 1500 words (maximum). Purpose: • To look at and engage closely with a work of art • To gain an understanding of how it was made (i.e., the formal considerations that went into its making) • To gain an understanding of the historical context in which it was made • To reflect on our present-day relationship with objects of the past • To develop research skills (such as: using the library, citing sources, creating a bibliography) Instructions: 1. Select ONE (1) work of art that we have seen this term (either in lectures or in your textbook). 2.Research and write about your selected artwork to explain it in greater depth. This will help you understand and establish the contextual and historical aspects of the work. Use at least TWO (2) resources from the Library database, such as journal articles and/or e-books. You may use your textbook in addition to these library resources. Please note: In order to appropriately reference your research sources, you must include citations of your sources, either within your text or in the form of footnotes. See either the Chicago Manual of Style or MLA. (You also need a bibliography - see #5.) 3.Re-create the artwork and take a photo of your recreated version of it. Include your photograph in your report along with an image of the original work. Feel free to use anything that you have around the house (yourself, furniture, clothing, objects, family members, roommates, pets, whatever…). Take a look at these recreations of famous artworks for inspiration! “Getty challenge (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. ” 4.Reflect on the process of re-creating the work; why you chose it; what you observed; and what you learned by replicating it. Discuss how the process might have enriched your understanding of the work in question. If you choose to deliberately modify the work, explain why, and how this might update or challenge the original meaning or intent of the work. As this assignment contains a reflective component, you may use the first-person when writing, but be sure to write well, and in full sentences and paragraphs. 5. Include a bibliography (or "works cited" list) of the academic sources you consulted and used in your paper. You may use any style of citation that you choose, as long as it is consistent. Use the “Library help” page on Canvas to help you with this. ORGANIZATION • Your selected image and photo of your re-created version • Introduction to your selected work, and why you chose it • Research/analysis of your selected work, explaining the circumstances of its creation/significant aspects of it• Reflection on the process of replicating the work, and observations on what you learned in the process; how these observations tie into understandings of the historic context and/or enrich an understanding of the object • Conclusion
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Exploring "Jean-Baptiste Belley" by Omar Diop
The artwork I have chosen to delve into for this assignment is "Jean-Baptiste Belley" by Omar Diop, created in 2014. This striking photograph captivated me during our course. I was eager to explore it further, gaining a deeper understanding of its formal considerations, historical context, and relevance in our present day.
Formal considerations
"Jean-Baptiste Belley" by Omar Diop is a photographic masterpiece that masterfully reimagines a historical icon within a contemporary framework. The artwork's formal considerations encompass a carefully orchestrated interplay of composition, color palette, and purposeful incorporation of props and costumes (Ivetteromero para 1). Diop's portrait eloquently captures the essence of Jean-Baptiste Belley, a remarkable individual who transitioned from slavery to a towering figure in Revolutionary France's political landscape.
The portrait's composition is a testament to Diop's keen eye for balance and visual impact. Through deliberate choices in framing and arrangement, the artist directs our gaze toward Belley's countenance. The subject's regal bearing is emphasized through the astute lighting, casting a radiant glow upon his visage that accentuates his resolute demeanor (Ivetteromero para 1). This lighting technique not only underscores the sense of dignity emanating from Belley but also alludes to the metaphorical enlightenment he brought to his struggle for freedom.
A vibrant color palette further enriches the narrative conveyed by the artwork. Diop strategically juxtaposes bold, saturated colors in the subject's attire and the background elements. These hues symbolize the vibrancy of Belley's personality and his indomitable spirit, which defied societal constraints. The meticulous detailing in the clothing and backdrop, characterized by intricate patterns, serves as a visual homage to Belley's cultural heritage and offers viewers a glimpse into the historical milieu he inhabited.
Furthermore, the deliberate inclusion of props and costumes resonates deeply with the historical context of Belley's life. Each accessory and garment seems to whisper the story of a man who transcended adversity to become a symbol of resilience and empowerment (Ivetteromero para 1). The portrait's intentional aesthetic choices guide our gaze toward these elements, drawing us into a nuanced exploration of Belley's journey from subjugation to advocacy.
In a masterful stroke, "Jean-Baptiste Belley" emerges as a work of art that encapsulates a historical narrative and bridges the temporal gap between past and present. Through its formal considerations, Diop's portrait perpetuates the legacy of Jean-Baptiste Belley, inviting us to reflect on the enduring significance of his struggle while connecting us with the broader tapestry of human history (René 105). This reinterpretation serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to transcend time, evoke emotion, and ignite contemplation.
Historical context
To fully appreciate the significant importance woven throughout "Jean-Baptiste Belley"'s visual tapestry, it is essential to comprehend the work's historical background. This 2014-created photographic picture of eminent figure Jean-Baptiste Belley, whose life took place against the backdrop of the late 18th century, pays moving homage to his unbreakable character (René 107). During this era's turmoil, Belley rose to prominence as a symbol of resistance, his very life a tribute to the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of enslavement and the harsh currents of the day.
It is impossible to ignore the persistent resonance of Belley's historical significance as a leader of the struggle against the terrible burden of slavery and oppression. He successfully negotiated the perilous terrain of the late 18th century, becoming a symbol of the fight for liberty and equality. His transformation from an enslaved person to a symbol of empowerment and optimism reflected the ambitions of a disenfranchised population that desired justice (René 110). Belley demonstrated the strength of the human will to overcome hardship ...