VISCERAL RESPONSE

In deciding what design I wanted to use for this assignment I found myself once again wracked with indecision. I ended up deciding on this painting because with and without context I am absolutely in love with it. My initial feeling after discovering this painting was a heavy impact created by it's sharp color contrast. The vein like branches in the forefront draw attention in nearly every direction while simultaneously framing the paintings more complex areas. Even without this framing, the backdrop of this painting is most certainly loud enough to draw the eye. This artist has created a piece that immediately stamps itself into your memory, and demands your undivided attention.
At first glance this painting looks very Japanese, however with close examination you might notice that its coloring and the technique used in coloring contradict that impression. Though it resembles a Japanese print, it's actually an oil painting. The painting is an alteration of a wood-print made in 1857 by Hiroshige (seen bellow). The painting above was made in 1887 by Vincent Van Gogh. Upon discovering this my love for the painting only grew. Apparently Vincent held an admiration for the clarity and simplicity of Japanese art and went through a phase where he spawned a collection of wood-print inspired paintings. This "stupefied" me, to me Van Gogh's style seemed to be so far from the "clear and simple" Japanese paintings he claimed to admire. So the existence of the painting feels so contradictory to me, and I love contradictions.
Now viewing this painting with its context you will find Van Gogh, his insanity is very much present in this painting. The original Hiroshige print only further reveals Van Gogh in his rendition.  Hiroshige's piece is serene, it feels lofty, weightless. Van Gogh keeps the painting almost identical to its original however he creates a feeling that is entirely the opposite. It really is just incredible.