When visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum, I viewed several of the exhibitions. There were many interesting exhibitions to see. However, when I looked at the "Larry Sultan: Here & Home" exhibition, I knew the photography works displayed within the exhibition would be perfect to evaluate. This exhibition contained several early conceptual and collaborative projects of Californian artist Larry Sultan. Many of the pictures were from the 1970s. In addition, there were several works of his solo documentary-styled photographs. According to the Milwaukee Art Museum Website, this exhibition is “very diverse in its concepts; as it covers ideas of home, family, belonging, façade, and storytelling.” By connecting these diverse artistic concepts with the themes I learned in my art class called “Global Art and Visual Culture”, I choose to evaluate two photographs done by Larry Sultan. They are called “Sharon Wild” (2001) and “Woman in Curlers” (2002). Furthermore, I chose to further evaluate “Sharon Wild” (2001) with the formal analysis of the Deconstruction Framework; because it not only encompassed the previous concepts mentioned; but it resonated well with the critical frameworks I learned within the art class I had taken.
The photograph “Sharon Wild” (2001) displayed several themes, such as: Identity, The Body and Place. However, the main theme which this photograph portrayed was “The Body”. This is due to how Sharon Wild is highlighted as the main figure and how her body is portrayed as the main focus of the piece. In addition her body adds a form of femininity to the photograph because it is scarcely clothed; thus displaying her feminine shaped body. This is further affirmed by the light pink blanket Sharon Wild is sitting on top of; which is seen as a traditionally feminine color. The use of the dirty mattress in the photograph can also be attributed towards the body as well. This is due to Sharon Wild (who is a porn star) using the dirty mattress as a place to do sexual acts with her body and the body of her porn video partner. Therefore “Sharon Wild” (2001) gives a visual representation towards its viewers to understand the theme of the body.
Using the Deconstruction Framework to interpret the photograph “Sharon Wild” (2001), one can say this photograph displays the meaning of feminine promiscuity. For example the use of the dirty mattress can be used to say being promiscuous in traditional society is seen as being dirty and unclean. In addition the use of Sharon Wild’s body and its lack of clothing shows her as a vulnerable individual. This is because clothes are viewed as a form of coverage; while bare skin is seen as fragile especially when it is connected to a feminine connotation. The use of the blanket and the suitcases in the room promote the connotation of baggage and of covering up. These interpretations can relate to how the porn stars have baggage in society since it is a job that goes against traditional social norms. Plus the light pink blanket covering up the dirty mattress is a metaphorical way of saying those who do porn or view it should cover up their habit; since society views porn as a devious act. By the use of the Deconstruction Framework it can help the viewer interpret the photograph through the metaphorical meaning the subjects convey visually.
The photograph “Woman in Curlers” (2002) is made up of two themes; identity and the body. However the main theme which the photograph portrayed was “Identity”. This is because the woman portrayed in the painting is being identified by her physical appearance. This is further conveyed by how her hair is put up in hair curlers and the type of makeup she uses on her face. When at the Milwaukee Art Museum, I had the opportunity to walk up closer towards the photograph to view it in close proximity. The view I had was of how much makeup was covering her face. Therefore I concluded her makeup is a huge part of her identity, and it can be attributed to how this individual in the photograph identifies herself as a feminine individual through the use of makeup. Furthermore, the makeup helps the viewer to focus in on her facial features. By having this opportunity the viewer can identify this individual as someone who could be of biracial heritage; due to the individual having blue eyes, tanner complexion and fuller lips. If this individual does have this identity the photograph promotes a new form of female identity rather than the traditional Eurocentric version. Overall, identity is a forever changing concept, but this photograph connects the viewer to the theme of identity.
Overall, by looking at the " Larry Sultan: Here & Home" exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Museum it has helped me to connect the diverse concepts present in the photography I choose to evaluate. I have gained this ability with the art themes I learned about in the art class I took. It has also helped to build my knowledge by applying analyzation skills of the Deconstruction Framework to interpret a work of art. In the future I will be more aware about the art around me and the visual connotations it displays through various frameworks and their connection to main themes.
