1. Second Formal Paper: Dancing Leads to Kissing

Dancing Leads to Kissing

Art throughout history, naturally changes over time but also many techniques are passed down from generation to generation. Many artist use what previous artist before their time in their own work. These techniques are used because they work and are successful. In Edgar Degas' paintings of the dancers, he uses a good sense of intimacy and the same goes for Gustav Klimt in his painting of 'The Kiss'. Both artist capture two very intimate moments in time, the nervous anticipations before a performance and the romantic tenderness of a kiss. Both angles that are presented in the paintings are very intimate. In Klimt's piece we are viewing the couple from the front but at a lower angle which makes the viewer feel as if he or she is peeking in on the secret moment that was not meant to be seen. In Degas' painting we are looking at the ballerinas from the side and only being exposed to half of the girls, which makes the viewer feel like he or she is peering into the intimidating backstage before a very important performance. “Degas has been obliged to "stack" the dancers one behind the other.” (DeVonyar).

Gustav Klimt's, 'The Kiss', from the Art Nouveau movement, uses geometric patterns to lead the viewers eye to the two faces. Although the painting for the most part uses geometric shapes, the two faces are very realistic and do not seem to fit the rhythm of the painting. Taking a closer look at the hands and the feet, they are very realistic and also do not fit into the painting. Even the way the two figures are standing, or floating, in the air looks box shaped and very geometric. Although the figures hands, feet, and faces are very realistic the mans neck is too thick and long, symbolizing a giraffe. The two figures have no sense of shape of body, the patterns suggest the form of a body but viewers are unable to see the actual shape of the body by looking in a glance. The color of the painting has an overall gold tone with muted colors included, which to some people could look a little flat. There is no definite light source, but it could be assumed that there is a light shining in from the front of the two figures. One of the main focuses in the painting is the strong presence of flowers, which adds to the romantic feel of the kiss. To achieve this geometric pattern that is shown in Klimt's painting there needs to be very precise and thought out. “Klimt was obsessive about his work, which often paralyzed him and kept him from finishing a painting.” (Grimberg).

In the Impressionist era Edgar Degas made a series of paintings of many ballerinas. During this time artist were producing paintings in a very different way than the normal way, often seen as being swift brush strokes and very hazy. Edgar Degas's painting of the 'Dancers in Pink' is significantly different than Gustav's 'The Kiss'. Degas uses vibrant pink to draw the viewers eye toward the ballerina. Even though our focus is the bright pink dresses the dancers are wearing flowers in their hair that pulls the viewer into looking at the dancers' delicate, but serious faces. Their faces suggest that the Dancers could be preparing for a performance considering the look of nerves and seriousness on their faces. The Ballerinas all have realistic features and we are able to see the form of their bodies. Degas has painted the dresses to fit the form of their bodies and to show the elegance of the ballerinas. He uses swift delicate brush strokes to also show the delicateness of the dancers. Unlike 'The Kiss', 'Dancers in Pink' are shown in a natural environment. Although this is true, like 'The Kiss', 'Dancers in Pink' are shown in an idealized, unrecognizable environment. This seems to suggest a dreamlike vision to describe how a kiss and dancing could be dreamlike. The way the dancers are standing suggests movement, especially since they are all looking in different directions. In 'Dancers in Pink' the viewer is able to see were the light source is coming from, the upper right hand corner. This painting is by no means geometric, but that does not mean it is less complex than 'The Kiss'. “Dancers is one of the most chromatically complex, densely worked, and thematically nuanced pastels made by Degas at any point in his career.” (DeNonyar).












Works Cited

DeVonyar, J., et. al., "Dancers" by Edgar Degas. Record of the Art Museum (Princeton University) v. 66 (2007) p. 30-40

Grimberg, S., reviewer Gustav Klimt & Emilie Floge (Book Review); Significant others (Book Review); Magnifying mirrors (Book Review). Woman's Art Journal v. 17 (Fall 1996/Winter 1997) p. 42-5