Ida Kohlmeyer | Semiotic 91-1 | | This is a shot descriptive analysis of the visual elements and design principles within this work of art created by Ida Kohlmeyer. | L.M.D. | | 4/11/2013 | |
Ida Kohlmeyer Semiotic 91-1 Ida Kohlmeyer’s work titled Semiotic 91-1 was created by the artist in 1991. This painting was generated onto a canvas 50 x 49.5 inches in size with the use of mixed media. This painting was displayed in the exhibit “Celebrating 100 years of Ida” as were many other of this artist’s paintings and sculptures, as a tribute to the creativity of this artist’s creations. Of all the works of art created by this brilliant artist, this one seemed to jump off of the wall. Although the colors used are warm, which is usually accompanied by a feeling of calmness, this painting seemed to serve as a as a warning of some sort and demanded attention. Ida Kohlmeyer is considered to be one of the most influential contemporary artist from Louisiana. Walking through this exhibit dedicated to her life and work, one cannot help their self but to take the time to stop and stare at this incredible work of art. The perfect yet creative blend of the media is a noticeable trait at first site. The great use of shade and contrast of the colors stands out as well. Although the entire painting only consists of different shades of black, grey, and red, they are set up in a form where it almost seems as though the entire color wheel is visible in this work. With semantics being the relation between signs and the things to which they refer, it can be assumed by the title of this work that the artist wants the audience to understand there is a defined meaning to this creation. In the definition of the “X’s” and the vividness of the brightest of reds, the meaning comes across to the audience as more of a warning. Kohlmeyer touches on various visual elements within this particular work of art. Her line use, although it may not imply movement, has a definite strong impulse of action. Not necessarily a physical action as much of an emotional action, but an action is thoroughly enforced within this work. Most aspects of shape within this work are visually two – dimensional, with little to no implied mass, leaving your mind to focus clearly on the flat geometric shapes. There are few areas where the artist intended a more three – dimensional perspective, but it was not an obvious trait throughout the entire painting. There is not much implied lighting as the entire painting consists of absolutely no shadow work. Of all the visual elements the most used is that of value as the colors are so beautifully entwined within each other that the different shades of one color appear to be completely different colors, not different shades of the same. The work done with the color that looked to be cadmium red, from the brightest inside the boxed shape to that of the light within the washed background, was amazingly beautiful and seemed to capture the intended meaning of the painting almost effortlessly just by existing. This painting proves many emotions can be through a work of art created even with the most restricted of pallets. With few colors, not much emphasis on space but to stuff many objects into one frame, and little to no emphasis on texture, Kohlmeyer still was able to produce an emotionally enhancing work of art. Kohlmeyer did an exceptional job of incorporating the different principles into this piece as well. All of the visual elements seem to have a perfect sense of unity although the shapers are very varied and spontaneous. Even though the variety seems to almost present itself it is impossible not to look at the work and see how each aspect belongs together, from the different shades of the colors to down to the
