Comments on: Badlands http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/ From Renaissance to Pop Art. See, feel, and interpret! Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:14:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.2 By: mike t http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-8218 mike t Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:07:02 +0000 http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-8218 This painting is an anthem, or monument, for feminist determination, with an aside credit to stealth. Standing knee-deep in the stride-slowing water, the figure nevertheless shows a reared-back and undefensive strength and confidence to face whatever approaches (and something is either approaching or being observed in anticipation of having to be dealt with). So, the common recurring nightmare of trying in vain to run in deep water seems less of a threat. But those figures of "great dead white men" do represent a progress-impeding weight, so striking into motion will take some effort. And the mask seems necessary to stoke her confidence against whatever surprises are in store, much like a policeman's reflecting sunglasses as he walks up to a pulled over car with occupants unknown. Still, the wind appears at her back, by the looks of the trees, and there is more open space before her than behind. She's donned the lifeless black and white of the stone-cold male world, but seems physically at home in the natural blue and green of water and trees and air, where it looks like whatever encounter looms is to occur, so you've got to bet on her, whether she's the cobra or the mongoose in the coming confrontation. This painting is an anthem, or monument, for feminist determination, with an aside credit to stealth. Standing knee-deep in the stride-slowing water, the figure nevertheless shows a reared-back and undefensive strength and confidence to face whatever approaches (and something is either approaching or being observed in anticipation of having to be dealt with). So, the common recurring nightmare of trying in vain to run in deep water seems less of a threat. But those figures of “great dead white men” do represent a progress-impeding weight, so striking into motion will take some effort. And the mask seems necessary to stoke her confidence against whatever surprises are in store, much like a policeman’s reflecting sunglasses as he walks up to a pulled over car with occupants unknown. Still, the wind appears at her back, by the looks of the trees, and there is more open space before her than behind. She’s donned the lifeless black and white of the stone-cold male world, but seems physically at home in the natural blue and green of water and trees and air, where it looks like whatever encounter looms is to occur, so you’ve got to bet on her, whether she’s the cobra or the mongoose in the coming confrontation.

]]> By: Bradley Bajos http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-8118 Bradley Bajos Sun, 04 Nov 2007 04:12:31 +0000 http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-8118 The world is gonna make a close pass by the sun and all the ice will melt, and fill the Grand Canyon. Mount Rushmore is not high enough. The world is gonna make a close pass by the sun and all the ice will melt, and fill the Grand Canyon.

Mount Rushmore is not high enough.

]]> By: Bobby McGehee http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7952 Bobby McGehee Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:51:31 +0000 http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7952 She is a model wearing a piece from the sea, a shining sea collection by Karl Largerfeld. Instead of a catwalk there is a shallow waiting pool to represent the oceans. I dunno. She is a model wearing a piece from the sea, a shining sea collection by Karl Largerfeld. Instead of a catwalk there is a shallow waiting pool to represent the oceans.

I dunno.

]]> By: Brent Holland http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7930 Brent Holland Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:48:47 +0000 http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7930 Global warming... this is a warning. The water level will rise, oceans, lakes, rivers will flood. Mount Rushmore will be nearly underwater like it is in the painting. The woman is uninterested in her impact of this future, she is wearing a mask and is looking the other way. Just like most people who still drive trucks, hummers and never ride a bike, bus or walk to work. Soon you will swim to Mt. Rushmore... not drive. Global warming… this is a warning. The water level will rise, oceans, lakes, rivers will flood. Mount Rushmore will be nearly underwater like it is in the painting. The woman is uninterested in her impact of this future, she is wearing a mask and is looking the other way. Just like most people who still drive trucks, hummers and never ride a bike, bus or walk to work.

Soon you will swim to Mt. Rushmore… not drive.

]]> By: Ryan http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7796 Ryan Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:18:59 +0000 http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7796 This painting is called “Badlands” because Mt. Rushmore is on the figure's dress. Mt. Rushmore is in South Dakota, as is Badlands. I believe there is nod to feminism because there are four men on her dress, also they are partially submersed in water. The figure is standing tall and strong, looking towards her future. This painting is called “Badlands” because Mt. Rushmore is on the figure’s dress. Mt. Rushmore is in South Dakota, as is Badlands. I believe there is nod to feminism because there are four men on her dress, also they are partially submersed in water.

The figure is standing tall and strong, looking towards her future.

]]> By: Simon http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7763 Simon Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:43:15 +0000 http://interpretation.scene360.com/contemporary/28/#comment-7763 Nice illustration/painting. Is it an ad for a fashion company? Is the company called "Badlands"? Nice illustration/painting. Is it an ad for a fashion company? Is the company called “Badlands”?

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