Design Principles - Task 2 : Visual Analysis and Ideation

Grasia Cindy Saputra / 0384546

Design Principles GCD60804 / Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Hons.) / Taylor's University 

Task 2 : Visual Analysis and Ideation

                                                                                                                                                                   

INSTRUCTION

                                                                                                                                                                   

TASK 

Artwork Name :

The Two Fridas ( Las Dos Fridas in Spanish )

Artist : Frida Kahlo

Date : 1939

Size : 173.5 cm x 173 cm

Location : Museo De Arte Moderno, Mexico City

Media : oil on canvas

Source : https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/later-europe-and-americas/modernity-ap/a/kahlo-the-two-fridas-las-dos-fridas

Design Principles :

1. Balance : the composition shows two seated woman figures placed side by side, creating a nearly symmetrical structure.

2. Contrast : the contrast between the white victorian dress and the darker traditional attire represents dual identity and cultural conflict.

3. Emphasis : the exposed hearts serve as the focal point, emphasized through their red color against the muted background.

4. Movement : the flowing blood creates subtle movement that guides the viewer's eye accros the composition.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Visual Analysis : 

The chosen artwork is called “The Two Fridas” by Frida Kahlo. the concept express of the dual identity and emotional expression. the visual contrast between the two figures makes the design principles very clear and easy to analyze. this potrait shows Frida's two different personalities. one is the traditional in Tehuana costume with abroken heart, sitting next to an independent, modern dressed Frida. in this painting the two fridas are holding hands. this potrait shows Frida's two different personalities. she wrote about this painting and said it is originated from her memory of an imagniary childhood friend. the composition demonstrates several design principles that help communicate the emotional meaning of the artwork. 

Balance is created through the symmetrical placement of the two figures as both sit next to each other with similar posture and structured. the artwork also shows strong contrast especially in the clothing worn by each figure. emphasis is also clearly seen in the exposed hearts at the center of the composition.  the bright red color of the hearts stand out against the softer tones of the background and the clothing which follow the viewer's attention immediately. the Movement is created through the vein that connects the two hearts, which symbolizing that although the two figures represent different identities hey still connected as one person.

217 words

REFERENCE :

https://www.fridakahlo.org/the-two-fridas.jsp

                                                                                                                                                                   

SKETCH 1

In this skecth i replaced the anatomical hearts into a large red blooming flower.

Explanation :

the reason i chose to replaced the heart into a red flower because flowers often symbolize as emotions, and growth. by replacing the hearts into a red flower i wanted to present that emotions between the two figures its not only about pain but also about emotional growth and transformation. 

50 words

Design principles :

- Emphasis : the red large flower becomes the center point of the artwork

- Contrast : the red large flower color stands out against the dress of the two figure

- Symbol : the red large flower represents emotion and growth

SKETCH 2

In this sketch i change one figure in full color in dark background while the other figure is converted in black with colored background.

Explanation :

This change create to highlight the concept of dual identity of the artwork by making one figure colorful and the other grayscale which the visual difference between the two figure becomes clearer. the hearts remains red so that the emotional connection between the two figures still become the central point of attention.

51 words

Design Principles :

- Contrast : the difference between the color and the grayscale

- Balance : both figure remains visually balanced

SKETCH 3

In this sketch most parts of the artwork are desaturated and muted except the hearts and the veins remain bright red.

Explanation :

the reason of the changes is to make the hearts representing the main focal point of the composition. the bright red heart symbolizes the emotional connection between the two figures which is one of the most important elements in the original artwork. by reducing the color of the surrounding elements, the viewers attention is naturally directed toward the bright heart and the emotional tension and connection between the two identitites become more visually powerful.

74 words

Design Principles :

- Emphasis : the hearts became the center point

- Contrast : bright red heart against the muted tone

                                                                                                                                                                   

FEEDBACK:

- sir sylvain told me to change the composition for sketch 1 and 2 so that will make the new center point clearer and focused.

- sir sylvain told me to bold all of the design principles i've found in the artwork, in the visual analysis part.