Edgar Degas is a major influence on me as an aspiring artist and I feel that his work is very intriguing through the perspectives that he presents. Any artist can paint a traditional portrait of a ballerina or ballerinas, but why would that be interesting? This piece captures the more "behind the scenes" perspective and reveals the modern life (at the time) for those ballerinas. The perspective creates an entirely new story on how ballerinas are viewed. When we view a ballerina in a traditional light, we see them as beautiful and almost as perfectionists for their ability to perform very well with such strength and form of the body. From this perspective, the struggle of the ballerina is revealed. The subject on the far right appears to be stretching or in pain, which is what viewers do NOT see in ballets or performances. We are only exposed to the beautiful artistry of dancing and movement. The subject on the farther left (who are closer together) both appear to be either tired, overwhelmed, stressed, or nervous about a performance. Again, this is something that the average viewer is not exposed to, and it gives viewers of Degas' piece an entirely new perspective on the ballerina and their life. It is not all fun and beauty, and there is a lot more work, effort, and time that goes into dancing than people think. I admire Degas' work, because it captures perspectives that we do not stop and look at in every day life. The perspectives he presents make you think differently, and I think that is very powerful. 

Image derived from: Degas , Edgar. Dancers in Pink 1. 1880-1885. Painting. Edgar DegasWeb. 26 Sep 2013. <http://www.edgar-degas.org/Dancers-In-Pink---1.html>.



Leave a Reply.

    About the Inspirationist

    Here is where I draw my inspiration from other artists and influences, as well as post about my own artistic and cultural experiences. All work that is not owned by myself is cited to the best of my ability and all credentials are given to the artists and their works, respectfully. Thanks for reading!

    Archives

    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013

    Categories

    All