Portrait Comparison Writing Assignment Paper
The requirements are on the blue sheet. Please read it carefully. MAKE THE CITATIONS CORRECTLY. THANKS.
Write an essay in which you compare and contrast Burson's portraits with Mapplethope's self-portraits. Recognizing the differences between a portrait and a self-portrait, what different statesments about gender do each of the artists make? How would you compare their artistic techniques and styles? How do these portraits illustrate or refuse the social construction of masculinity and femininity?
Remember to begin with a clear thesis statement. Do not mention page numbers on which the portraits fall; try to identify them in a more professional way.(eg., "In Mapplethorpe's masculine self-portrait,..")
Focus on three items for comparison: 1. how the images handle masculinity or femininity, 2. the style of the photos, and 3. the purpose behind the photo projects
Do not use first or second person point of view in this paper. stay with third person pronouns.
Please select a format from identity notes.doc to write this essay.
The complete requirement is on the blue sheet.
Thank you
Please select a format from identity notes.doc to write this essay.
The complete requirement is on the blue sheet.
Thank you
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Portrait Comparison
The issue of femininity and masculinity has been put forward by different individuals. Among them is Robert Mapplethorpe who created different self-portraits addressing the definition of the words “male” and “female”. As well, Nancy Burson created a project titled “He/She Series” addressing the manner in which the two genders can be identified in the society. A comparison of the two projects hence shows how the issues of masculinity and femininity are being addressed in the society.
In regard to Mapplethorpe portraits, the facial expression of the first individual is an indication of a serious person because the individual on the portrait has not smiled for the photo. Therefore, it’s an expression of masculinity because females are commonly known to smile in photos. In addition, the first portrait shows the photo of a person smoking a cigarette. The second image shows some level of nudity by revealing the chest of a male person. On the contrary, women are defined by large breasts which are not evident in the portrait. This portrait display a man with long hair and this refutes a common stereotype in society because men are expected to grow short hair.
Mapplethorpe’s portraits are purely black and white with little grey color in them. He also faces the camera directly in both photos and this is an indication of masculinity. The photos fit perfectly in all corners of the image. In the first photo, Mapplethorpe wears a black leather jacket which contrasts with the photos background while on the first photo, the color of his naked body contrast with the background hence enhancing visibilities.
The pu...