Bonus Assignments

Melissa Arbanas

Grand Valley State University

ART 335: ArtPrize Bonus Assignment

October 12, 2014

Selected Artwork:     "Outcry"

Artist:                         Gretchyn Lauer

Venue:                        DeVos Place Convention Center

http://www.artprize.org/gretchyn-lauer/2014/outcry

1. Pick one piece from the top 20 finalists. Explain why you think it deserves to be one of the winning entries of ArtPrize 2014. Explain why this is art by judging or assessing the piece based on your own beliefs, criteria, or standards according to other art critics.

            I chose the oil painting, "Outcry", by Gretchyn Lauer, as one of my favorite pieces in ArtPrize 2014. While there are many talented artists and wonderful pieces in the competition, I chose "Outcry" because it spoke to me the most. I believe that truly great art has the ability to speak to its viewers through visual depiction. I think that is why this piece won the 2-dimensional category this year. The public voted for this piece because it spoke to them, and when it spoke, it had something very important to say. Lauer has the ability to evoke an emotional response from her viewers through her artwork. That ability is part of what makes her a great artist.

2. What is it? What do you see? Describe the sensory properties and elements, including value, color, shape, form, line, space, texture, etc.

            (I'm not an art major, so this question is difficult for me.)

            The piece is simply: a large oil painting. But the painting evokes an emotional response from its viewers through true-to-life aspects. The colors are limited to: skin tones, dark black's, and blurred greens and blues for the backdrop. I think Lauer's color choices highlight the painting's realistic qualities. The blurred colors in the background allow the eye to retain focus on the subject.

            The texture is smooth, which gives it a photographic look. This, again, emphasizes the piece's realism.

3. How was it made? Analyze the art elements, style and technique. Analyze elements of principles, including contrast, rhythm, unity, emphasis, pattern, movement, balance, etc.

            "Outcry" is a large oil painting. It's dimensions are: width - 5 feet; height - 4 feet; depth - 1.5 inches. Lauer uses small brush strokes to give the painting great detail. Lauer emphasizes the lighting on the subject's right cheek and the shadowing on the left side of her face. This makes the subject appear more dimensional. It also gives focus to the subject's right side, creating the appearance that her right side is closer and her left side is further away. Lauer puts great detail into the facial expression of the subject. The wrinkles on her forehead and chin highlight the emotional state of the subject.

4. What is it about? Interpret the piece's original meaning and provide your own interpretation.

            Lauer states: "My hope with this painting is that when you are transported into her soul, you will be greatly burdened by what you find - a beautiful girl with hopes and dreams sold into sex-trafficking at 14 and impregnated by one of her clients at a young age" (Outcry, 2014).

            The original meaning is an outcry for help. That is Lauer's interpretation and mine as well. The painting brings awareness to a social problem that needs more public attention.  

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance."                 - Aristotle         

5. Why was it made? If known, what is the makers purpose or intention?

            The painting was made to give a voice to victims of sex trafficking. Lauer states: : "God made it very evident that he wanted me to paint a trafficking victim" (Outcry, 2014). Lauer believes God wanted her to paint "Outcry" to bring attention to the social injustice of sex trafficking.

            Lauer also states, about the subject in her painting: "I want her outcry for help to become our outcry for love, prevention, and healing" (Outcry, 2014). I believe that what she is saying here is that she wants the public to move in a direction through laws and services to prevent future sex trafficking and initiate programs to help former victims heal.

6. Assess the value of the piece and provide your definition of art.

            I could not begin to assign a monetary value to Lauer's piece. The ArtPrize Board and public have assessed the piece with a value of: "winner of the 2-dimensional category for ArtPrize 2014". The monetary prize for such an honor is $20,000. I chose this piece because I see greater value in it than just a simple dollar value. The piece represents a voice for young women who were/are victims of sex trafficking. I believe the value of this piece is in the amount of attention it has given to sex trafficking prevention.

            My definition of art is: any form of creativity. This creativity can involve many different aspects, such as: activity or inactivity, theatrical, physical, vocal, visual. I believe art is labeled as art by the artist, and usually by society.  

Works Cited

            Aristotle. (2014). In brainyquote.com. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/aristotle104151.html

            Outcry. (2014). In artprize.org. Retrieved October 12, 2014, from http://www.artprize.org/gretchyn-lauer/2014/outcry