This comparative study will
focus on artworks that each
Kathe Kollwitz’s ‘The Widow
I’
The Widow I (Die Witwe I)
By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/69685.
have a unique cultural and
historical influence yet are
united by the universal human
condition and anguish. These
pieces come from German
artist Kathe Kollwitz, American
artist Jackson Pollock, and
Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.
The 3 artworks convey an anti-
Guernica
war message through the
Pablo Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ By Pablo Picasso
Oil on canvas, 1937
elements and principles of art.
11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″
I will maintain an emphasis on war and its impact
on the individual and society. These art pieces
interest me because of the artist’s use of color as
a driving force in the work. They evoke strong
emotion, communicated through depiction of the
figures and their faces. I am drawn to the
presentation of different forms and how the
artworks remark on the destruction and pain
experienced in all wars. The ability to convey a
timeless message that resonates with many is
what inspires me about these pieces.
Jackson Pollock’s ‘War’ Jordyn Czyzewski
War
By Jackson Pollock 1947
Ink and colored pencils on paper
20 5/8 in. × 26 in
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482445
Cultural Significance of Picasso’s ‘Guernica’
Picasso was commissioned by the Spanish government to create a work
that would be shown off at the Paris World’s Fair. ‘Guernica’ was put into
motion following the bombing of the historic Basque town. Picasso worked
a great speed after he was distraught by an attack in his home country
which massacred innocent people. He flung himself into this piece
because of the important anti-war message he aimed to get across, which
was heavily influenced by the bombing. Picasso condemns the
Nationalists’ collaboration with Hitler to use Guernica as target practice.

The aftermath of the bombing from 43 German planes left Guernica

completely devastated. As a result, 1,600 out of the city’s 7,000 citizens
were killed and roughly 70% of the town was destroyed. This event created
terror and immense suffering amongst the citizens and destroyed elements “Guernica.” HistoryExtra, 25 Nov. 2021, https://www.historyextra.com/period/second-world-war/guernica/.

of Basque culture. Picasso’s piece served to its memory and stands as a

symbol of not only the Spanish struggle, but implications of violent acts.
Picasso stated- “In the panel on which I am working, which I shall call
Guernica, and in all my recent works of art, I clearly express my
abhorrence of the military caste which has sunk Spain in an ocean of pain
and death”. This art represents the global issue of genocide resulting in a
piece that depicts the shocking event of the bombing in a way that can be
applied timelessly.
‘Guernica’ depicts the pain and suffering
from tragedy, condemning the act of
violence. Picasso was influenced from the
event to make a piece that has become
culturally significant on its own. This
artwork resonates with many as does the
plea for destruction to end.
Function and Purpose of Picasso’s ‘Guernica’
Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ dives into a display of emotional experience that came from war. Picasso used art to express human
When this piece was revealed, it was shocking to many people. This aligns with the suffering. His work causes the viewer to
purpose which is to display the pain, fear, and anguish while invoking thoughts about what think about the war from an ulterior point
humans have the power to do to one another. By including shocking images and of view, humanizing the situation. It is
shown as an expression of sorrow and
gruesome details, Picasso’s intent is to highlight a strong political message as he shows
grief, in order to understand the human
the suffering at the hands of Francisco Franco. The painting is humanizing as well as condition.
highly influential, and could be seemingly timeless. People will be able to relate and
sympathize with the artwork at any point in history. The function is expressive and deeply
symbolic. Meant to be a disturbing and destructive piece, ‘Guernica’ conveys a strong and
powerful message about the atrocities of war.

Symbolic aspects are used through the different forms. Great attention to detail is
displayed with the symbolism which provokes emotion. Two of the main symbols are the
bull speculated to be representative of dictator Franco causing destruction, and the light
bulb which could be the bomb. Notably, the light bulb is seemily surrounded by light and
spikes to represent the flames and explosion of the bomb. If a viewer looks carefully, there
is a dove shown that is barely there which shows the disappearance of peace. ‘Guernica’
also serves as a commemorative piece, pushing boundaries in making people think about
the terrible and ghastly effects which come from war. This makes this piece a universal
experience as humans can form a connection with it at any point in time. Overall,
‘Guernica’ is an anti-war painting that makes the viewer see with fresh eyes, and think
“Glorious Picasso Portraits That Marked the Century.” Widewalls,
deeper about the impacts of war on those affected by the violence. https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/pablo-picasso-portraits.
Formal Qualities of Picasso’s ‘Guernica’
The medium is oil on canvas,
and Picasso utilizes the
grisaille technique. Picasso
creates an intense image with
his usage of light. It is majorly a
darker piece that evokes a
serious feeling with the sharp
hues which allow a viewer to
focus on crucial details
including the figures.
This massive work has many
geometric shapes that
contribute to a jagged look.
This roughness emphasizes the
atrocities that occured as
smoothness would suggest
that everything is fine.
Balance is organized through
the figures in the center cast in
a triangular way, with forms
balanced on the left and right.
Value is shown in this piece with the great contrast of black and The composition has many
white. Strong colors are used throughout, catching the viewer's eye,
focal points as weight is carried
which solidifies Picasso’s message of innocent versus evil.
throughout the forms. Elements
Grayscale and monochrome shades are seen in this piece, the lack
of vibrant color highlights the dire and destructive scenario. are closely spaced together and
crowded. By doing this,
Picasso creates a chaotic scene
which highlights the immense
confusion of innocent victims.
Additionally, some forms are
overlapping. This intersection
adds to the development of
chaos while noting how
people’s lives were in upheaval.
Lines are thick and thin,
creating emphasis. They are
solid and sharp to outline
Although there are many eye-catching components, figures. One can infer that
they are distinguished through black and white
Guernica
By Pablo Picasso although forms are separated,
Oil on canvas, 1937
contrast. It highlights the different reactions and 11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″ they are experiencing pain in
importance of each person impacted. different ways.
Cultural Significance of Kathe Kollwitz’s ‘The Widow I’

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914,

started World War One, which is the cultural context of the work.
Hans and Peter, Käthe's two sons, joined the German army right
away. She kept journal entries that reflected on her thoughts. One of
the most notable ones from this time period include- "Nothing is
real but the frightfulness of this state, which we almost grow used
to. In such times it seems so stupid that the boys must go to war.
The whole thing is so ghastly and insane."

“World War I.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia
Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-
I#/media/1/648646/110333.
The German Empire was one of the Central Powers that lost the war
during World War I. The German Revolution of 1918–19, which
overthrew the empire and created the Weimar Republic, was
sparked by Germany's failure and general mass resentment at the
end of the war. She depicted the grief of those left behind in the
wake of the war, such as mothers, widows, and kids. The artworks
theme of sadness and grief can be seen distinctly as a result of
these historical events.

This piece is included in a series of woodcuts Kollwitz made in the wake of the Weimar Republic's political and economic
turmoil that comment on the conflict's legacy. Her artworks were despised by the Nazis and created controversy because
of the clear political position that she took and was forbidden to exhibit her art. She maintained her beliefs and influence
as Kollwitz was recognized as a humanitarian advocate for social justice through her expressive aesthetic language.
Function and Purpose of Kathe Kollwitz’s ‘The Widow I’
Käthe Kollwitz, photograph by Hugo
Erfurth, c. 1925.
Kathe Kollwitz experienced great pain from a war, as she conveys her emotions about losing
her son.The Widow I (Die WItwe I) displays tragedy though mourning the loss of a loved one.
Kollwitz’s piece dives into a display of emotional experience that came from World War 1. She
was known as a widely influential printmaker and graphic artist from the time of German
Expressionism. Kollwitz drew inspiration from Ernst Barlach woodcuts, which directed her to
woodcutting to convey the intense emotions. In Kollwitz’s works, her trademark topic was the
highs and lows of being a woman, reflecting on her own experience as she lost one of her
children, Peter, in the war and suffered from significant depression.
Throughout her life, Kollwitz used art to express human suffering in many forms. It is shown as an
expression of sorrow, grief, and loss. Her work causes the viewer to think about the war and its
impact on families. ‘The Widow I (Die Witwe I)’ also serves as documentary, pushing boundaries in
making people think about the terrible and ugly effects which come from war. Kollwitz did not
adapt to the trends, but had an independent style which focused on tragedy not just from World
War I, but from all wars. This function pushes any viewer suffering loss to be able to form a
connection, and Kollwitz condemns all wars across the globe due to their detrimental effects.
‘The Widow I (Die Witwe I)’ immerses the viewer in a woman’s grief. Kollwitz’s piece defied
traditional ideas of what art should be like, and bent the rules by creating art that is jarring and not
easy to look at. This piece was used to question and to tell a story about war based on what
emotions the artist had witnessed. Kollwitz experienced grief due to the war, and used her works
to advocate about its effects. She opposed the violence, and communicated this through her art.
Formal Qualities of Kathe Kollwitz’s ‘The Widow I’
Kathe Kollwitz uses white space
around the figure, making the
foreground pop and draw attention. It
is clear to see that the woman feels
alone, as there is no one around to
comfort her. This resulted in the
woman embracing herself as she is
isolated dealing with her pain.
In this artwork, the texture is very
jagged, which is created by the harsh
lines detailing the shadows of the
hands and face specifically. Kollwitz
makes the art have an implied rough
texture with the short scratches.
Central elements in the piece are
close together, and a barren
background isolating the focal points.
This suggests that the woman misses
the comfort of her family, and the
closeness of being together.
The Widow I (Die Witwe I)
By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
https://www.moma.org/collection/
works/69685.
An important part of this piece is line usage.
Lines in this image are both thick and thin,
creating a jagged texture around the woman
to convey her emotions. The rough lines
exemplify the woman’s grief, and how her
broken heart has left her in anguish.
Kollwitz demonstrates balance by having
the parts reflected down the center of the
piece, with the exception of the head tilt to
the right. Balance is symmetrical as shown
with the hands wrapped around the woman,
creating nearly a mirror image.
Value is shown in this piece with the great
contrast of black and white. Only 2 strong
colors are used throughout, and this
catches the viewer's eye, and draws more
attention to the emotion being portrayed.
This creates a solid and intense feel. The
lack of color contributes to the absence of
hope, and suggests this life filled with
suffering became normalized.
 Function and Purpose of Jackson Pollock’s ‘War’

Why the art was made

This artwork stands out from many of Pollock's creations due to the unique message as well as
medium. The vast majority of his works were drip paintings, abstract pieces playing with color and
lines. In 'War', Pollock takes on the serious subject of the horrors of war. He began to investigate the
darker aspects of life and the self through various forms of communication. Jackson Pollock's
abstract expressionist drawing, with its harsh lines and bright colors, reflects postwar dissatisfaction
and fear. His tangled lines and various shades of colour evoke feelings of befuddlement and anger
within the viewer.

The function of this piece is symbolic, and

Hans Namuth. Photograph of Jackson
Pollock. 1950. Gelatin silver print.
8 ⅛ x 9 15/16”
https://www.moma.org/artists/4675
intended to shock the viewer. Pollock's systematic
choices of techniques and composition reveal
unsettling insights into the human experience.
Although completed after World War 2 and inspired
by that tragedy, 'War' does not apply to a specific
conflict, but rather to the ubiquitous horrors and
violence that exist on a continuous basis.

Pollock’s purpose was not to make a political statement, but rather to express the
gruesomeness of war in a raw and disturbing way. He wanted to share this message Convergence
utilizing vivid imagery that makes the viewer reflect upon the chaotic piece. Overall, By Jackson Pollock, 1952
93.5 in × 155 in
Pollock’s piece, ‘War’ was created in order for those who viewed it to re-evaluate the Oil on canvas
consequences of war, and shock them with the brutal experience depicted. https://www.jackson-pollock.org/convergence.jsp
Formal Qualities of Jackson Pollock’s ‘War’
The viewer's attention is drawn to
the mass of bodies and limbs that
obscure the indistinguishable
nightmare in the painting's center
by the artist’s color choice. The
contrasting red, yellow, and black
hues stand out greatly against the
cream-colored background.
In this 2D drawing, Pollock utilized
a surrealist style. Surrealism was
used to unnerve the viewer. The
shadows show that the atrocities
depicted are literally and
figuratively dark.
The linear pencil lines in streaks of
a bold black hue enhance the
intensity of the piece. Lines making
up the abstract figures are very
rough and freeform, and contribute
to the artwork’s message about the
harsh realities of war.
Negative space is located on the
outside surrounding the
abstract figures, which are
layered on top of eachother to
suggest mass genocide.
‘War’ is balanced with a central
figure at the corner of each
triangle. Upon closer
examination, these forms
appear to be experiencing more
detailed violence and are set
apart. The largest figures at the
top, seemingly a bull and
human, are flung into the
grotesque pile.
Emphasis is created on the
figures arranged inside of the
triangular composition; the
War
viewer can infer the dynamic
By Jackson Pollock 1947
Ink and colored pencils on paper and chaotic scene is meant to
20 5/8 in. × 26 in draw a viewer’s eye to the
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482445 middle cluster of horror.
Comparing ‘The Widow 1’ by Kollwitz & ‘guernica’ by Picasso
Culture Formal Qualities

These two works have become culturally Contrasting grayscale hues used for
significant over time, and were created facial expressions in particular create
due to a specific incident of senseless The Widow I (Die Witwe I) Guernica
emotionally intense images remarking
violence within a war which personally By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
By Pablo Picasso
Oil on canvas, 1937
on grief. Both pieces utilize
affected the artist. They both created Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/69685.
11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″
contrasting light and dark hues for
controversy, as Picasso’s was viewed as a certain components to stand out to a
strong political statement and Kollwitz viewer, which demonstrates the
was forbidden by the Nazis to showcase significance of the message that war is
her art. The artists endured backlash ghastly and must not occur. Harsh
about their pieces, contributing to the lines emphasize the turbulence and
artworks’ fame and spreading their raw anguish. Black and white hues are
message further. distinct and suggest that there are two
options moving forward: continue with
the brutality or end it, there is no in-
Function & Purpose between. Additionally, the absence of
bright colors and overall use of black
contributes to the pieces’ somber
Picasso and Kollwitz convey universal and timeless messages through their work which impact moods while expressing the sadness
people on a global scale. Bending the rules of traditional art, ‘Guernica' and 'The Widow I' serve depicted. The viewer can infer that
as documentary, pushing boundaries and making people think about the terrible and emotional from the lack of colors, it seems as if
consequences which come from war. They aimed to create a political commentary that resonates the scenario is devoid of all hope or
with individuals who did not experience war first-hand and force them to recognize its impacts. positive emotions, grief and anguish
The artists aimed to demonstrate what would happen if the cycle of violence continues. are all that is felt.
Comparing ‘The Widow 1’ by Kollwitz & ‘War’ by Pollock

Culture Formal Qualities

Neither of the artists experienced life
on the battlefield, yet still felt like the
impacts of war was an important
subject to depict. Their talents were
recognized from a young age but they
both suffered from long-term mental
health conditions. Both Kollwitz and
Pollock learned to channel their
emotions and transform them into art;
in these pieces they depict emotions
about violence.
Function & Purpose
Lines straying outside the figures suggest an
unpolished quality to the works.
Light negative space surrounds what is
being depicted in both works. It creates
complete emphasis on the figures
without any distractions in the
background, demanding the viewer’s
attention to the prominent scene. A rich
black hue is used in the artworks, with
strong values that create contrast.
Another similarity are the jagged lines
which create rough texture. These harsh
qualities add to the serious and
heartbreaking mood of both pieces. One
can infer the emotions are so powerful
they are radiating off of the forms.

The Widow I (Die Witwe I)

These pieces both send a message about how the traumatic events of war can alter one’s life. The artists both had the By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.

purpose to display human pain, and provoke thought within the viewer. ‘War’ and ‘The Widow 1’ express the idea that
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/
69685.
violence is not just a far-away concept, and conveys people’s physical and emotional suffering.They were created in
protest against war, and suggest that humans learned to live with the senseless tragedies. Similarly, ‘War’ illustrates a War
By Jackson Pollock 1947

heap of faceless forms, suggesting the magnitude of the mass genocide and the countless individuals impacted.
Ink and colored pencils on paper
20 5/8 in. × 26 in
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482445
Comparing ‘Guernica’ by Picasso & ‘War’ by Pollock
Culture
Picasso and Pollock were both
impacted by the Abstract art movement,
and lived during a turbulent time for the
world where violence was rampant.
Their guardians were also both involved
in the arts, encouraging their love for it.
‘Guernica’ and ‘War’ had heavy
influences from surrealism, and some
suggest that Pollock was even inspired
by Picasso’s creation and its forms.
Function & Purpose
These two artworks are intended to
disturb the viewer as they analyze the
different figures. The details in the
artworks share the brutality of war and its
impact on humans. Both artists wished to
convey a shocking and unsettling feeling
within a viewer. The thought-provoking
works aim to communicate the suffering
and loss due to humanity’s actions. Also,
the pieces intend to create discussion.
Guernica
By Pablo Picasso
Oil on canvas, 1937
11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″
War
By Jackson Pollock 1947
Ink and colored pencils on paper
20 5/8 in. × 26 in
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/
collection/search/482445
Formal Qualities
Symbolic elements are utilized in both
pieces, specifically a bull, which is on
the left of ‘Guernica’ and the top of
‘War’. The forms are abstract and not
human yet convey intense emotions.
Another similarity is how space is
utilized; the artworks have many figures
that greatly overlap. The components of
the piece are are distorted yet still
vividly evoke horror and anguish.
Contrasting ‘The Widow 1’ by Kollwitz & ‘Guernica’ by Picasso

Culture Formal Qualities

‘The Widow 1’ is a a piece from a wider
series on the sorrow of those left behind
in the aftermath of the war due to the
political and economic instability of the
Weimar Republic. Guernica, a painting
by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, is
culturally important because it
represents not just the Spanish conflict,
but also the overt brutality that one finds
in all wars. Picasso depicts a scene in
the moment while Kollwitz reflects upon
the aftermath of the violence.
Function & Purpose
One central figure is shown in ‘The Widow I’,
but Picasso utilizes many figures which fill up
Guernica
By Pablo Picasso
the whole artwork, leaving little negative
Oil on canvas, 1937
11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″ space. This adds to the disorderly feeling as
figures are surprised. In ‘Guernica’, the mother
The Widow I (Die Witwe I) carrying a dead child lets out a scream of
By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
anguish. The woman in ‘The Widow I’ remains
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/69685.
silent and still, she has nothing left of her child
and nobody to hold onto. Emphasis is placed
on the woman’s hands hugging herself,
signifying she wishes to be close to her loved
ones and is perhaps reminiscing. However in
‘Guernica’, the forms show a strong desire to
flee from the action and escape as they are
pulled in many directions.

Kollwitz’s function to show suffering and loss about a past event contrasts from ‘Guernica’. ‘The Widow I’ connects with grieving family
members, particularly the women, who did not partake in the action yet were still left left traumatized. Kollwitz’s piece emphasizes the pain of
a singular woman where Picasso’s covers different individuals that were impacted by the bombing. ‘Guernica’ is intended to shock and
horrify the viewer, and creates a feeling of panic as the chaotic situation is played out on the canvas; ‘The Widow 1’ is not as disorganized.
Contrasting ‘The Widow 1’ by Kollwitz & ‘War’ by Pollock
Culture
Kollwitz’s work was
influenced by World War I,
and women in the war losing
their husbands or sons.
Pollock’s work was made
over 20 years later did not
have the experience of
losing a family member close
to him. Although ‘War’ is
about the horrors of war, the
artist was not close to the
events that occured in
Europe during either of the
World Wars. Pollock’s
American culture distanced
him from getting a first-hand
experience as he had an
outside perspective. Kollwitz
observed loss first-hand,
and the toll it takes on a
woman.
Function & Purpose
‘The Widow I’ expresses a
mother’s grief and shares
the suffering of an
individual. Pollock displays
the physical pain of many
figures, not done through
distinctly human faces. ‘The
Widow I’ serves to
commemorate the tragic loss
of a family member, and is
an expression of a woman’s
grief. Kollwitz’s purpose was
to convey her utter despair
and does so in a way that
relates to women across the
globe. ‘War’ portrays more
violent and graphic content,
and seeks to disturb while
overwhelming the individual
with the gruesome violence.
The Widow I (Die
Formal Qualities Witwe I)
By Kathe
Kollwitz, 1922-
23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black
ink on woven
Distinct black and white paper
https://
hues are present in ‘The www.moma.org/
collection/
Widow I’ whereas ‘War’ works/69685.
contains vivid pops of color. War
By Jackson
The viewer can infer this is Pollock 1947
Ink and colored
because Pollock focuses on pencils on paper
20 5/8 in. × 26 in
the bloodshed and massacre https://
www.metmuseum.
of war while Kollwitz org/art/collection/
search/482445
emphasises the emotional
impacts. Kollwitz created a
singular eye-catching figure
but Pollock drew a pile of
twisted and unrecognizable
forms. Weight is carried
differently between the
elements with the
composition in ‘War’
arranged triangularly, and
the woman is the only figure
for the viewer to focus on in
‘The Widow I’.
Contrasting ‘Guernica’ by Picasso & ‘War’ by Pollock
Culture
Picasso was a Spanish artist, and the
context of his piece was from a specific
event, the bombing of Guernica in his
home country. ‘Guernica’ has had a
more monumental impact on society as
it is one of Picasso's most renowned
paintings. On the other hand, American
artist Pollock is more renowned for his
drip paintings than this drawing which
was heavily influenced by World War 2
and its aftermath.
Function & Purpose
Picasso’s purpose was to commemorate
a specific event that happened at the
hands of Hitler and the Nationalists. He
shared a very political opinion and
expressed a clear stance disagreeing
with the dictator’s decision. The purpose
behind ‘War’ was not to call out a
specific government or individual, but
rather Pollock dove into the idea that this
violence was representative of broader
experiences worldwide.
Formal Qualities
A difference between the two is negative
space, which is seen in Pollock’s
artwork, but in Picasso’s the figures are
much larger and overall take up more
space in the piece, including the
background. In ‘War’, red and yellow
hues are prominent but ‘Guernica’ uses a
range of grayscale hues. Due to this, the
value of the hues is stronger in Pollock’s
drawing which has bold, rich colors,
where some of ‘Guernica’s are more
muted. The background is busy in
‘Guernica’ but empty in ‘War’.
War
Guernica
By Jackson Pollock 1947
By Pablo Picasso
Ink and colored pencils on paper
Oil on canvas, 1937
20 5/8 in. × 26 in
11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/
search/482445
Compare & Contrast of my work & kollwitz’s
Similarities
One of the most striking
commonalities between these
pieces is the texture, which is
quite jagged and generated by
the sharp lines. The use of lines
is crucial in both compositions.
With the short marks, Kollwitz
gives the work an inferred rough
texture, and 'Winter'
accomplishes the same. With the
stark contradiction of black and
white, the two pieces have a
similar value.
Only two bold colors are
employed throughout, which
captures the attention of the
spectator and draws emphasis to
the juxtaposition. Both pieces
have an intense feel to them as a
result of this, which is
appropriate given their shared
subject matter of separation of
mother and child.
The Widow I (Die Witwe I)
By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/69685.
The Widow I (Die Witwe I)
By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/69685.
Differences
However, one of the most
significant differences in the
works is that, whereas my lino-
cut has multiple components,
Kollwitz's artwork focuses solely
on the widow. She elected to
carve out the background and
emphasize the woman's outline
and form in black. I decided to
incorporate texture in the
backdrop rather than having one
woman be the focal point or
center of the composition.
Patterns also differentiate them.
Unlike Kollwitz, I used a variety of
patterns, such as snow, earth,
and the area around the frame.
Kollwitz also adds a lot of space
surrounding the widow, which
makes her the most significant
component of the work while I
include other forms.
 Compare & Contrast of my work & Pollock’s
Similarities
A chaotic and frightening atmosphere generated by the jumbled lines is identical in both
compositions. Pollock and I both used strewn lines that look to be doodles, which gives the piece an
uneasy sense. Brighter lines that surround some of the creatures are narrower and less obvious at
first glance, but they provide a disaster-like quality to the artwork. Another resemblance can be seen
in the employment of symbolic figures. Both Pollock and I use skulls to depict death, and horrifying
figures are also prominent in our work. Beasts are designed to interest yet frighten the spectator.

War
By Jackson Pollock 1947
Ink and colored pencils on paper
20 5/8 in. × 26 in
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482445

Differences

Since my work does not have as many severe black lines as Pollock's, it appears to be lighter in
appearance. As his paper was a deeper cream color than mine, his backdrop is likewise darker and
reflective of the mustard-gas used to commit mass genocide. My drawing board has a white background,
which I intentionally left blank or empty to juxtapose with the hectic situation that is unfolding. In addition,
the focus points differ slightly. Although I attempted to emulate Pollock's triangle points of attention in his Title: Woman versus Self

drawing 'War,' viewers immediately focus on the girl in the midst of the image. My work focuses on Medium: Ink and colored pencils on illustration board ​

individual pain while Pollock’s is to generalize the suffering of millions, and it is devoid of human faces. Completion: November 2021
Compare & Contrast of my work & Picasso’s
Woman versus Self
Ink and colored pencils on
illustration board ​November 2021
Similarities
The feelings and emotions I aimed to evoke with this work were intrigue, horror, and fear. A lot of
symbolism is evident in Picasso’s art, so I spent time developing symbolic components I wanted to
include. ​I was also influenced by Picasso’s selection of black and white, and how the contrast
created which draws attention to the figures. The goal was to create strong contrast, and I wanted to
execute my vision by including sharp black outlines like the artist did in 'Guernica'. The monsters are
drawn in a childlike manner, particularly the one at the peak of my piece. Like Picasso, I intended to
humanize the piece through the connection of war and violence.
Differences
Guernica
By Pablo Picasso Unlike Picasso, I used a mixture of bright colors clashing against the harsh
Oil on canvas, 1937
11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″ black. By adding red and yellow, I contrasted the hues with the dark black
while my inspiration had only tones of black and white. Different mediums
also contribute to the intended impact on the viewer. I used colored pencils,
which are lighter and allow me to add more texture and light lines which
contrasts from ‘Guernica’ that has filled in components with solid colors.
Picasso’s piece serves to be a political commentary wheras my work focuses
on the individual. Although the pieces both address chaos, the messages have
a different function and purpose. The works also differ through space, as my
piece has prominent white space in the background and surrounding the
figures. On the other hand, Picasso’s creatures are enveloped by shades of
black and gray and the entirety of his canvas is filled. This further emphasises
the impact on the individual in my piece versus society in his.
Compare & Contrast of my work & Kollwitz’s
The Widow I (Die Witwe I)
By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
https://www.moma.org/collection/works/69685.
Cultural Similarities
Kollwitz utilized art to portray human sorrow in a variety of ways
during her life. She lost her siblings and later on in life, lost her
son as well. Her work was impacted by separation and how it
affects the individual. She made a statement from the loss of her
child, and her feelings of isolation. Similarly, my piece depicts the
separation of mother and child as I imagined what it would feel
like to be in Persephone’s place after she was forcefully seized.
Both come from a situation out of the mother’s control and depict
the women in solitude. They reflect upon the suffering of women
globally, and how for centuries, women have endured immense
pain because of the actions of men.
Cultural Differences
My piece stemmed from the Greek myth of Demeter and
Persephone. Persephone is kidnapped by Hades, ruler of the
underworld. Demeter looks tirelessly for her daughter but
Persephone must spend six months in underworld every year.
This differs from Kollwitz’s work as her piece is from a tragedy
she personally experienced during World War I whereas mine
comes from a myth unrelated to war. Also, Kollwitz came from a The Widow I (Die Witwe I)
By Kathe Kollwitz, 1922-23,
time where husbands, sons, and grandchildren were constantly 26 x 18 11/16 in.
Woodcut in black ink on woven paper
dying in wars and her piece reflects these cultural experiences. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/69685.
Compare & Contrast of my work, Picasso’s, & Pollock’s
A similarity between the three of these pieces is that they stem from the idea that
violence, pain, and conflict has become normalized in society. The works emphasize
debilitating impacts to our world as a result of destruction, which is a prominent
theme which links the three. None of the pieces are from the viewpoint of the victor,
and do not glorify or attempt to erase atrocities. Rather, they make one conscious of
the destructive patterns in our society. ‘Woman versus Self’, ‘War’, and ‘Guernica’
compare because occurrences impacted the artist so drastically that they broke free
of their traditional styles. They come from a place of rejecting the cultural norms.
Symbolism of monsters goes beyond mythical stories and intends to communicate
that sometimes, humans are the worst monsters. In these pieces, non-human forms
further the grotesque cruelty of humans and our influence on one another. Guernica
By Pablo Picasso
Oil on canvas, 1937
11′ 6″ x 25′ 6″

My piece contrasts from the others because unlike Pollock and

Picasso, one major catastrophe did not directly influence my art.
Instead, a combination of experiences led me to create my reflection
upon identity. Unlike the other two artists, I have not lived through a
World War. Additionally, I do not highlight violence between countries
or people but rather the impact of one’s own brain and the monsters
that live inside. Modern society projects the importance of mental
wellness while putting all the responsibility on the individual instead
of examining our society as a whole. External pressures contribute to
the self-sabotage and distorted sense of self in my piece. In contrast, War
‘Guernica’ and ‘War’ create a statement against a culture which Woman versus Self
By Jackson Pollock 1947
Ink and colored pencils on paper
perpetuates physical violence through intentionally targeting groups. Ink and colored pencils on illustration board ​November
2021
20 5/8 in. × 26 in
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/482445
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