Dorothy Beatriz C.

Cuevas X – Descartes

MUSIC

Music of the 20th Century – Expressionism

What I Need To Know

1. Can you feel the emotion conveyed in the painting? What could
be the emotion being conveyed by the artist in the painting?

 The figure with an expression of agony and misery is

considered as the piece de resistance of the masterpiece. It
easily catches the attention of the audience and raises queries
as to what are the symbolisms and interpretation behind the
mesmerizing artwork. The Scream painting exhibits the
feelings of desperation, melancholy, and the unending agony
one has to experience. In my opinion, we are left with no
choice but to feel and observe those unwanted and unpleasant
emotions. Instead of constantly trying to get rid of it, we
should rather take them as our own and accept those emotions
as part of human life. The emotion and message of the painting
was extraordinarily and efficiently conveyed, in such manner that the sorrow of the
painting was transcended to the viewer.

2. Did the art elements (color, line, shape, texture, harmony) contribute to the emotions in the
artwork? How?

Line – The bold curved lines of the sky flow straight to the figure and begin to shape 

the body of the person. This can reflect feelings of chaos. Additionally, these curved lines
form the terrain practically weighs down on the shoulders of the figure, as if the force
surrounding the individual is producing tremendous pressure on the subject. Likewise, the
straight lines of the road pass underneath the individual, and the straight lines of the railing
continue behind the figure. The straight lines seem to stand farther away from the
centerpiece.

Color – The choice of color and the placement of light and shadow seem to have a meaning
and contribute greatly to the dramatic charm of the scene. The land and water are presented
with the different shades of grey, black and blue, which are the colors associated with sadness
and isolation. The deep-orange and fire-red colors of the sky acted as an intensifier to the
visible agony of the scenery. Contrary to the colorful hues used in the background, the figure
is painted with a pale face and a dark body, drawing more attention to it. Light only seems to
appear from a distance, while the figure in the center is remained in the darkness, unable to
follow through with the movement of others.

Form – The human figure nor the landscape don’t appear to be very detailed. With this
simplicity in form, the audience tends to focus more on the emotions that the scene and
subject emit, rather than seeing an exact painting of a certain scene. The malformation of the
images in the painting signifies the unstable, and sometimes frail, state of mind of an
individual. Feelings of fear and isolation are also illustrated in this artwork which can be seen
by the representation of the vast and empty background. Moreover, the skull-like figure
appears sexless and genderless, which means that anxiety and sorrow are emotions that
relates to human nature, regardless of sex and gender.

3. How are you going to compare the emotions in this artwork with what you feel right now?

 The emotions in the artwork are reflections of the feelings human beings undergo at least
once in their lives. Just like the painting, I am anxious that of the world and its certain
enigma; however, anxiety, misery and isolation are not a stranger to me, for I feel those
emotions frequently. The painting made me feel worried and consoled at the same time.
Misery, uncertainty, and the fact that we are all alone in this world are inevitable. We
should seek comfort and warmth in agony and our own company. I no longer see those
feelings as something unusual, but rather welcome them with arms wide open.

4. Can you identify this famous painting? Who was the famous painter behind this work?

 The Scream is the popular name given to a composition created by Norwegian

Expressionist artist Edvard Munch in 1893.

5. If you will choose one song suited for this work, what could it be? Why?

 The great gig in the sky, because it has a great resemblance to the Scream painting. This
song by Pink Floyd talks about human life, gradually descending into the inevitable
death. Unlike any other song we hear, this music is produced without any lyrics. It is
rather made with inaudible uttering of a woman, whispering and screaming. Although
others may see it not necessarily death, but rather terror and fear, it doesn’t change the
emotional content the song contains. Similar to the Scream painting, it provokes questions
concerning its real meaning. Nevertheless, with my own grasping of things, I interpret the
song and the painting with correlation to human life. We often find ourselves anxious
with uncertainty, may it be caused by the mystery of the world, or the inescapable
marching of death. Truth be told, those things are completely out of our control, and there
is nothing we can do about it.
Practice Task

1. By simply looking at your artwork, what do you see? Can that be considered a work of
emotions? Why?

 It is made with mere scribbles, used with 2 pens and 1 marker. I listened to song,
followed every beat, and gave my hands the full authority to do what it’s meant to do.
Shortly after the song had finished, I was startled to see that it created a somewhat figure
of a rose. This is indeed a work of my emotions because I had no plan in mind. I just let
my feelings do the job.

2. Did you follow the flow of emotions of the music? What did you feel while you were
following the mood of the music?

 Yes. The song I used is filled with emotions, and while I was following its mood while
drawing, I felt the warmth and sentiments of the singer. I gave my ears and heart while
listening; therefore, I was able to relate to him and the suffering he was expressing with
his music. Consequently, the outcome of the artwork turned out nice.

3. Dynamics is the softness or the loudness of sound. Was it used in your sample music? Was
it important throughout the composition?

 Dynamics wasn’t just used in my sample music, it also has a vital part in the song. It
helped to drive the emotional content of the composition through intensity and volume.
Dynamics provides a way to show the appropriate expression in music.

4. What title is fit for your art product?

 Ligne Rose