The theme that has been given for this year‘s PAT is ‘Resonance’.
“Resonate Arts produces a
pioneering programme of creative activities and experiences for and with people living with
dementia in the boroughs of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.” In the essay, I will be
discussing on how the “Saturn devouring his children” by Francisco Goya and the “ A- maze-ing Girl”
by Sofia Bonati, how they influence my artwork, “Psst, I see dead people””(figure1”)
Francisco Goya, a significant figure in Spanish art, was born in 1746 and died in 1828. Throughout his
career, Goya, who is renowned for his inventive use of style and his significant influence on
Romanticism, painted during turbulent periods in Spanish history, including political unrest and
conflict. His later works showed his growing disenchantment with society and humanity, while his
earlier works represented the elegance of Spanish royal life. His later "Black Paintings," which feature
eerie and reflective themes, are particularly noteworthy. Goya's legacy lives on as evidence of the
ability of art to both reflect and comment on the world at large. Francisco Goya's painting "Saturn
Devouring His Son"” figure 2” is one of his most famous and disturbing works. Created around 1819-
1823, it belongs to a series of paintings known as the "Black Paintings," which Goya executed directly
onto the walls of his house near Madrid. The painting depicts the mythological tale of Saturn (Cronus
in Greek mythology), who, fearing that his children would overthrow him, ate them immediately
after they were born. In Goya's interpretation, Saturn is portrayed as a monstrous figure with wild
eyes and disheveled hair, clutching his child in a frenzy. The child's body is twisted and contorted,
conveying a sense of terror and agony. The painting is executed in dark, earthy tones which add to its
somber and macabre atmosphere. Goya's brushwork is bold and expressive, emphasizing the
emotional intensity of the scene. The background is murky and undefined, focusing all attention on
the horrifying central figure. "Saturn Devouring His Son" is often interpreted as a reflection of Goya's
own disillusionment and despair, possibly influenced by the turbulent political climate of his time or
his own personal struggles. It stands as a powerful example of Goya's ability to evoke strong
emotions and provoke deep contemplation through his art. Francisco Goya's graphic depiction of
extreme fear and dominance by fathers in "Saturn Devouring His Son" strikes a powerful chord. A
disturbing reality about power, mortality, and the darkest aspects of human nature is shown to
viewers by the painting's graphic depiction of Saturn's crazed devouring of his child. A menacing
warning of the devastating possibilities found in social and familial systems, Goya's expressive
brushwork heightens the emotional effect. The enduring themes of violence, terror, and the
difficulties of interpersonal relationships are all touched by this masterwork, which has endured
through the ages. “Psst, I see dead people” relate to “Saturn devouring his son” only find out the real
truth about someone when they die, and they’re soul still lives, but their flesh is rotting away
meaning that the skull in the artwork “figure 1” represents the inner core of yourself because when
you are in famous artist, your music only becomes more valuable because you are dead and your
music speaks more to people when you’re dead than you are alive because when you’re alive,
nobody cares about you but when you die, then the voice comes out. The message comes out and
people can understand it more better. all of us can relate to that because there’s that one artist that
we don’t really know but when they die and then we’re like, oh then you start listening to music and
then you hear the melody, the lyrics and everything.
Sofia Bonati is a modern Argentinean artist who has gained recognition for her unique aesthetic and
compelling portraits. Bonati is a well-known artist who specialises in dreamy landscapes and solitary
figures with delicate lines and muted colour palettes. Her works are ethereal and contemplative.
Having studied graphic design and illustration, Bonati, who was born in Buenos Aires, continued on
her artistic path. Her use of a combination of conventional and digital approaches to convey
storylines and emotions with a calm intensity is what makes her work stand out. Themes of identity,
isolation, and time passing are commonly explored in Bonati's artwork. Her exquisitely detailed and
delicately portrayed portraits arouse contemplative feelings in viewers and beckon them into
moments of reflection (ChatGBT, 2024). Through her subtle yet powerful compositions, Bonati has
established herself as a prominent figure in contemporary illustration and fine art, exhibiting her
works internationally and gaining recognition for their emotional depth and haunting beauty.
References:
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Goya_Foods&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjgk5aC0pmHAxVYU6QEHXXgAuwQ0gJ6BAgHEAc&usg=AOvVaw1L
oLV_x3rOgPpf9T6IF_fv
https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/a-maze-ing-women-of-stem/
Chat gpt
Kamohelo Thanjekwayo Visual Art Essay:
