Emotional Standards
Appropriation Project - Drawing 1
This image was a recreation of Hector Gonzalez's eye for my Drawing 1 class.
The purpose of this project was to use the skills I had learned throughout the class to recreate a piece that was intriguing to us.
When choosing an art piece to appropriate, I knew that I wanted to pursue a piece that emphasized human hyperrealism. Therefore, I decided to recreate one of Hector Gonzalez’s drawings because he creates artworks of eyes that that are highly detailed and photo-realistic. In terms of art, eyes have always been an interest of mine because they possess a natural beauty and command attention; they are easily the focal point of any art piece. When I first interpreted Gonzalez’s teary-eyed piece, I simply saw it as a very well-articulated eye that possessed a sadness conveyed by the tears. However, I believe that there is “more than what meets the eye” in his piece. In the real world, we are constantly masking our feelings and holding back the tears in order to save face. When creating this drawing, I was able to stare into this eye and really connect with emotion that was behind the piece. Even though, this is not an image of my actual eye, I felt as if I was looking into a mirror because I have been in a plentiful amount of situations where I have held back my tears and emotions for the greater good.
Overall, this piece has challenged me to confront with the societal standards on gender emotionality. Crying has been considered as a sign of weakness especially amongst both males and females. When men cry, they are told to toughen up. When women cry, they are told that they are too emotional. Therefore, people have been forced to hold back their feelings in order to conform to these standards. However, I believe that this art piece is a commentary on these social norms and sets as a reminder to everyone that the relinquishment of emotions such as sadness, frustration, and pain is natural and healthy.
My appropriation drawing (LEFT), Hector Gonzalez drawing (RIGHT)
