Persecuted lovers by Arthur Boyd

ABOUT

CONTEXT

START HERE

REFERENCES

Persecuted loversArthur Boyd, 1957-58

SYMBOLISM

CONCLUSION

Mariana Cano Manzanarez A01027159Global Cultural Heritage: Art and AestheticIndividual activity: Formal, contextual, and symbolic analysis

SPACE, PROPORTION, SCALE AND EMPHASIS

References

Let's talk about Arthur Boyd: ecstasy and agony. Click to view video

INTERESTING ELEMENT

COLOR AND LIGHT

INTERESTING ELEMENT

Hoyos, A. (2020). Persecuted Lovers. SCRIBD. https://www.scribd.com/document/481043495/Persecuted-lovers-docxESSAY: Boyd’s Persecuted lovers | QAGOMA Collection Online. (n.d.). https://collection.qagoma.qld.gov.au/stories/1847 Persecuted Lovers [Arthur Boyd] | Sartle. (2022, April 21). Sartle. https://www.sartle.com/artwork/persecuted-lovers-arthur-boyd Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art. (n.d.). Persecuted lovers - Study - Arthur Boyd - QAGOMA Learning. QAGOMA Learning. https://learning.qagoma.qld.gov.au/artworks/persecuted-lovers-study/

Description: "Persecuted Lovers" is a painting by Australian artist Arthur Boyd, part of his broader exploration of themes involving love, suffering, and existential struggle. Boyd's work is characterized by its emotional intensity and symbolic depth, using vivid colors and dynamic forms to convey complex human experiences.

Title: Persecuted LoversAuthor: Arthur BoydYear of Creation: 1956Available at:

Space: Boyd's use of color shapes the perception of space in the painting. The dense reds and blacks create a compressed, turbulent environment that engulfs the figures, reflecting the emotional constraints of the lovers. In contrast, pockets of deep blue offer brief moments of respite, heightening the overall sense of tension.Proportion: Boyd uses proportion to distort and exaggerate the figures, emphasizing the scene's emotional intensity. The elongated limbs and disproportionate body parts amplify the sense of struggle and emotional turmoil.Scale: The figures are depicted as larger than life, drawing the viewer deeper into the emotional and psychological intensity of the painting. This amplifies the immediacy of their suffering and connection. The figures' scale, compared to the background elements, underscores their isolation and the chaotic environment surrounding them.Emphasis: Boyd uses emphasis to draw attention to key elements of the composition and intensify the emotional impact. The lovers are the painting's focal point, highlighted by vivid colors and dramatic forms. Their central placement and exaggerated features ensure they command the viewer's focus.

"Persecuted Lovers" captures the essence of turbulent relationships and the anguish that accompanies profound emotional bonds. Boyd's artistic style is deeply influenced by his personal experiences and broader historical contexts, leading to a work that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. Boyd created a series of studies for the ‘Brides’ series, which reflect the complex themes he explored, including race, sex, violence, and love—topics that were challenging to address in 1950s Australia. These passionate and conflicting ideas are vividly expressed in Boyd’s dream-like and menacing landscapes. Franz Philipp suggests that the studies were Boyd’s way of engaging with and processing these difficult themes. In "Persecuted Lovers – Study," Boyd focuses on the figures, minimizing the surrounding landscape. He intensifies the scene by positioning the entangled lovers in a vulnerable state, with the menacing figure looming close and pointing his gun directly at them.Historical Context: Arthur Boyd painted "Persecuted Lovers" in the mid-20th century, a time of major social and political upheaval. After World War II, the art world underwent dramatic changes, with many artists delving into existential themes and the human experience, reflecting the era's traumas and uncertainties. Boyd's work emerged from this period of intense exploration and reflection.Technological/Scientific Development: In the 1950s, advances in art materials and techniques, such as the introduction of acrylic paints, gave artists new tools for experimentation. These new paints offered fresh possibilities for color and texture, allowing Boyd to create the vivid and expressive qualities evident in "Persecuted Lovers."Influence of Other Areas on the Aesthetic Style: Boyd’s style is shaped by various artistic movements, notably Expressionism and Surrealism. Expressionism is reflected in his use of distorted forms and vibrant colors to convey emotional depth rather than realistic representation. Surrealism’s impact is evident in the dream-like and sometimes unsettling quality of his compositions.

Symbolic Elements: "Persecuted Lovers" is rich in symbolism, portraying themes of love and suffering. The figures may represent the trials of those in intense emotional relationships, with the turbulent background and distorted forms reflecting the external pressures and internal conflicts they face. The intense colors and chaotic composition express the psychological and emotional turmoil of persecution and unfulfilled love.Another interpretarion suggests that the painting symbolizes the fraught relationships between Indigenous and white communities in Australia during the 1950s. Boyd’s expressionist style, known for conveying deep emotions, serves as a powerful medium to explore these tensions. The couple in the painting may represent the broader social and political struggles of the time, with their persecution reflecting the systemic oppression and conflict between these groups. Boyd’s work often delved into significant social and political issues, and in this context, "Persecuted Lovers" can be seen as a commentary on the injustices faced by Indigenous Australians, making it a poignant reflection of the era's societal dynamics.

Arthur Boyd's "Persecuted Lovers" is a profound exploration of the complex relationship between love, suffering, and human emotion. The vivid use of color, along with its symbolic and formal elements, creates a work that resonates deeply on both emotional and intellectual levels. Boyd’s skillful integration of color with thematic content underscores the significance of his work within mid-20th-century art, making "Persecuted Lovers" a notable contribution to the exploration of existential and emotional themes in art.

Another interesting key symbol in the painting is the soldier:Oppression and Persecution: He symbolizes the external forces of control and violence, emphasizing the harsh realities confronting the lovers.Conflict: The soldier represents both societal and personal conflicts, highlighting the struggle between individual desires and external pressures.Authority and Danger: His presence signifies authority and the threat of violence, creating a stark contrast to the intimate scene between the lovers and underscoring their vulnerability.

Color: The dominant use of red in the painting expresses intensity and passion, echoing the theme of turbulent love. Red symbolizes both love and anger, capturing the duality of the lovers' experience. The use of black introduces a feeling of darkness and oppression, highlighting the weight of their persecution. Deep blues contrast with the reds, adding depth and a sense of melancholy.Light: Boyd’s use of light is expressive rather than naturalistic, featuring dramatic contrasts that heighten the sense of drama and emotional conflict. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the figures and underscores their turmoil. Light often illuminates the most expressive or intense moments, reinforcing the painting’s emotional focus. Strategic highlights draw attention to the figures’ faces and hands, emphasizing their gestures and interactions.

It’s possible that the woman in the dress represents the white population at war with the Aboriginal people, and the man holding her could be Indigenous. This suggests a forbidden or socially disapproved relationship.