The Artwork i chose was the 1934, oil on canvas painting, "The Rape", by Rene Magritte (1898 - 1967). The image is created on a fairly unappealing background with no focal points of interest but seems to resemble a horizon. The only real line and texture of this image is focused in the hair of the female subject in the centre foreground. According to Spalding, the 72.4 x 53.3 cm piece is an optical red herring leading the responders eyes wandering through the work. The first image seen by the viewer is the face and head of a female subject, quickly turned into the surreal, sexual image of a naked body, "her eyes are actually her nipples, and her pinched mouth is her pubic triangle." He then continues to interpret the image as the 'attitude' and views of the artist in the period of surrealism as it's appearance becomes unreal, or in his words, "a super-reality." Spalding believes the work is the realistic, blunt version of human wants and cravings.
My interpretation of "The Rape", contrasts Spaldings. Despite my acceptance of the surrealist movement having an influence on this work and the subjects face being a sexual representation of lust, needs and "desires", i believe the sexual connotation in the work is slightly more sexist and derogatory. The first impression of this work that i got, was the depreciation of women by the male eye through their sexual urges and the name makes me think that the woman is realistically viewing the pressures of his cravings, or feeling as though she is a sexual object. This idea crossed my mind due to the social environment i was raised in throughout my life, with a comfortable socioeconomic status and a surrounding female influence. My lesson throughout the years through education, political battles, and in the home environment, has been that women will always be seen as a less physically superior race and carry the sexual image as a challenge every day. The artists work reminds me of the power women posses of their own bodies that often isn't controlled or isn't of concern. Although this painting does not interest me as an artwork i would hang on my wall or stare at for hours on end, i do appreciate it and the meanings behind it, as it makes me feel curious and provokes thought, which i believe is the aim of most artists in the current world.
Acknowledgements.
Spalding, J, The Art Of Wonder A History Of Seeing, Prestil
Image: Magritte, R, 1934, 'The Rape', Menil Foundation Collection, Texis, pp. 265-266. Chapter 10.
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