Brainstorming on Initial Reactions to this piece:
Vibrant Red, Cool Blue and some orange. Makes for a very "hot" piece
Hotness from war?...no I don't think so. I think just vibrancy.
The abstract women is part of the landscape. The lines that form her - form the mountains in the background also. The women figure is also in the shape of India and the surrounding area. This is accentuated by the names inscribed on her person. I'm not sure the words are necessary - since at times they seem like tattoos or cuts in the skin - again that is a women's studies issue historically.
The male silhouette in the background seems a bit sinister. I am reminded of the "male gaze" discussions through out history. He does seem to be watching the female figure in the foreground. I think it would have less of an ominous feel if that figure was fully represented in the real - not just a silhouette, and it was looking out at the viewer - not so much at the female figure. He might be meditating, possibly on the female figures beauty? .... and therefore on the beauty of India?
I'm wondering if the sun is setting or rising? I would like to think its rising on a new era, bright with optimism and promise.
The wheel like object in the almost center of the piece is a very dominating aspect. Because of its bright white color, and since white is such a cool color in contrast with the red of the figure and the background, it draws my eye in such a way to keep it locked there. I'm not sure of its meaning - it almost seems to be a wheel of a canon - created from the womens outstretched arm. This brings war to mind again. Maybe its a cliché - such as the wheel of change?
There is also a sailboat in the bottom left corner. Since the water seems to fade into land; and the boat is pointed away from the figures - it seems the boat is sailing away from the land of the figures, and towards some other land. Maybe expressing adventure, trade with other countries?
