Friday, March 17, 2017

Wait…who’s blood?

Rose Art Collection at Brandeis
Review by Jack Duggan
            Have you ever wondered what else could be used to paint a picture instead of paint? Well if so, Body Tracks by Ana Mendieta answers that question. Mendieta used an unorthodox material instead of only paint, blood. The piece is not exclusively blood; it is mixed with paint. However, that does not take away from the morbid environment this pieces creates. The piece consists of three separate canvases, each of them had two red streaks stretching down the page.  One cannot help but feel uneasy when looking at the canvas.   The uneven lines add to this environment.  This piece looks messy, which makes sense considering how it was made.  Ana put the blood paint mixture on her hands and arms and dragged them down the canvas.  Following the tracks of her body and movement, earning its’ name Body Tracks.  The room where this piece was displayed further added to the mood the piece produces.  The room was dark except for spotlights shining on the piece.  These lights force your attention upon the piece. These elements put together create an unnerving experience when viewing this piece.  While this piece can be seen in pictures online, it is worth seeing it in person at the Rose Collection at Brandies University.  While this piece is a bit morbid, I suggest anyone fascinated by art to take the time to view it.


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