Jake Fried Analysis

Night Vision from Jake Fried on Vimeo.

This animation made by Jake Fried is a hand drawn animation created with ink and white out. In each frame, the artist changes just a few things that would be very subtle when just looking at the one frame compared to the frame before it, but when all of the frames are put together, it creates a story with many moving parts. It has many shapes including an eye, moon, and other detailed designs. The piece only uses black and white, but the artist creates depth to the work by adding shading and texture. This animation reminds me of the images that one can see when they close their eyes at night. The images and designs represent the mesmerizing visions created in one’s mind that can only be seen once their eyes shut and turn around to watch the fascinating dream-land playing out in their head. I think that this animation is a complete success because it is captivating and intriguing. It makes your eye move all around the screen so that you can take in everything that is taking place. I especially like how the artist made a focal point at the center because it made it seem structured yet intricate at the same time.

Chuck Close Analysis

This Chuck Close piece, called Emma, is a Japanese style woodcut. It uses 113 colors and took 18 months to complete. Like most of Close’s work, he uses the grid technique to break up the portrait into squares that include a circle pattern. The colors are light and bright on the skin and dark yet vivid on the eyes, hair, and background. This painting makes me feel happy because it is of a wide-eyed child, and children always have the ability to make one feel joy. I think that Close is trying to communicate the child’s innocence by using the light and bright colors. The light colors symbolize innocence because the child has not yet been exposed to the darkness of the world. Also, the simple circle designs within the squares of the grid help to communicate the innocence of the child because for the child, life is simple. I think that this work is a success because it is pleasing and intriguing to look at, and it also portrays a child which makes it happy and lighthearted. It is a unique style specific to Close making it original and interesting.