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Judith and the Beheading of Holofernes- Graffiti Inspired
Monday, May 19, 2008 at 08:53PM Since I am still waiting for the images of opening night I figured I would start to show you some of the art that I made for the exhibit.
This is a 4foot by 6foot canvas painting done entirely with stencils and spray paint. I used contact paper and exacto knives, no brush, no acrylic or oils. I was so inspired after my trip to Berlin (see my posts on how I think Berlin is the graffiti capitol of the world) I really wanted to experiment with the medium.
I also have a former student who is a professional graffiti artist who stopped by and helped me make the pink bubbles - the white starburst and the yellow table! Thank you Acet!!!
This painting is based on the composition that I developed for the Herstory project which is this image that you see to the left. I based that composition on two classic versions of Judith that I love. First is Andrea Mantegna's version in which the tent is so predominant...
The second painting I am deeply inspired by is the Gentileschi Judith, one of the only versions done by a woman showing the truly rageful capacity of a woman's full strength...
I, like many other artists, have painted many different versions of Judith I really am not too fond of Caravaggio's version since it looks as though she yields the sword in disgust and mistrust of her capabilities and her handmaid doesn't appear as a trusted confidante, but an instigating persuader.
This time I was also really interested in what i think to be a deeply powerful role - that of the handmaiden, the accomplice, the assistant and in the end the BFF. If you don't know the story of Judith one of the heroines from the Bible you should read about it...it's a fascinating tale that the young women in our lives should hear!
Reader Comments (5)
Man, I love the story of judith and holofernes and the gentelleschi version is the most amazing, until now....your grafitti version is freakin awesome! I love everything about, color palette, blood streaks...everything....To have students create and bring these stories to life is so rich and powerful!!!!
I love the combination of the two paintings. They really work well together. Congratulations on the exhibit by the way. You did a wonderful job on creating inspiring works of art. The grafitti work is absolutely fantastic. The colors create a revived, modern work of the originals. Congratulations. This was a process that all the participants will remember and treasure.
Hey, Amarettogirl! Thanks for stopping by. Actually it wasn't me who moved, but my boyfriend. But since I spend half the week at his place, most of the time, and because I helped him packing and carrying and cleaning up the new place, it kinda felt like I was moving to.
Cheers!
I love this urban take on classic art. I hope your student models realize how lucky they are to be a part of this!
Hey, the painting is phenomenal. I also really love this story and love Gentileschi's renditions. It's amazing how you've manipulated the medium, too. I'd love to know a little more about your process, just curious how you managed the more subtle modeling. Really baller work Ms. Diaz!