Ask yourself: Is art worth dying for? Think about Monuments Men and the men and women who risked their lives to save art at the end of World War II. What work of art do you feel strongly about and why? (Find something you care about – I’m sure every single one of you has some art you really love) DO NOT write a paper on something you do not care about or hate – why waste your time? You will write a paper that explores and develops the connections between past and present and the importance of art.

QUESTION

Ask yourself: Is art worth dying for? Think about Monuments Men and the men and women who risked their lives to save art at the end of World War II. What work of art do you feel strongly about and why? (Find something you care about – I’m sure every single one of you has some art you really love) DO NOT write a paper on something you do not care about or hate – why waste your time? You will write a paper that explores and develops the connections between past and present and the importance of art.

This paper should illustrate college-level writing and will be evaluated on the quality of writing (style and technique), the originality of thought, sound reasoning and logic, clarity, and appropriate content.

You will analyze the elements of your cultural production and write a 5-7 page paper on why this particular art work is important, the basic elements and principles of the art work, how it reflects/critiques the era it was created in, how it reflects the social, cultural or political aspects, an analysis of the elements and principles of art used( minimum of 3), and an argument as to why it should be preserved. You must do both formal and contextual analysis.

The paper will be double spaced, Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, 1” margins, 12point font. You must cite your sources.

Imagine that you are part of a Monuments Men like task force and you have been asked to select one piece of artwork to save. Introduce the artwork you have chosen. What is the name of the artwork? Who created it? What was their biography/background? What does it tell you? How does it reflect the time period/artist/social, cultural, or political issues? How is it created? What are some of the elements and principles used in creating this artwork? Analyze and explain those elements. Why would you choose the work that you did? Is it because of the story the work tells? Its importance to the history of art? Its innovative composition? Its intense personal expression? Its rarity? The high skill level of its creator? Some other reason?

1. Artists create art with purpose. What do you think this artist’s purpose was in creating this work? Why do you think this? What clues can be found in the artwork and the title that lead you to this conclusion? Are there other themes that are addressed within the art? What are they? How do you know? (Note: “to make money” is certainly one reason why art is created, but you must be able to support this with facts. Try thinking outside the box on this question.) Address the
2. potential meanings of the artwork. Look at the time-period and the history of the artist. Their background often influences their style and perspectives. What personal meaning do you find in the work you have chosen? What do you feel are its universal messages? Include the background and history of the artist and make connections to style, messages, and themes. You will include a biography of the artist and make connections to the art work they created.

1. Using terms from class, discuss the media (material the art is made from), i.e. oil paint on canvas, carved stone, etc. Then discuss the technique (the way the material is constructed, applied etc.) How does the media and/or technique influence and/or enhance the meaning? If it not a traditional media or process, do you think the new technology or material is superior to traditional media? Why? Use any vocabulary from the class to discuss your art in detail. You must incorporate the vocabulary of the principles and elements of art pertaining to your piece. You must choose a minimum of THREE elements/principles of art and discuss how the artist utilizes them in this image. This section should be at least two fully developed paragraphs.

3. Is this an artwork of value (not necessarily monetary value, but cultural value)? What is the value of this art in today’s society? Does its meaning change over time? Do you feel the message the artwork conveys will be relevant in the future (or not, if you feel it will not)? Do you feel art is worth risking your life for? Would you do the same? Why or why not? Relate these questions to the piece of art you have chosen to write about.

4. Comment on your emotional response, aesthetic reaction, why you liked the piece, and why you think it’s important. Did it make you think or see things differently? Does it have a strong message? DO NOT make this paper about only your opinions. You must do real work and research. Your opinions come at the end, after you have done all of the formal and contextual research and analysis. No one cares about uninformed opinions – make sure you have done the research and use critical thinking skills to make connections.

Something to consider before submitting your paper… Are your points explained and supported in a complete and coherent manner? Are you using correct grammar, syntax, and punctuation? Did you proofread your work?

• 3pages, typed, double spaced, cited, bibliography
• go to OWL Purdue for citation information and to see a sample paper – papers not properly cited will automatically lose 5 points
• an opening paragraph with a clear thesis statement
• at least 2 paragraphs. A paragraph is a collection of related sentences dealing with a single topic.
• You CANNOT use ANY artwork we have discussed in class. The artist MUST be American.
• Make sure to check grammar and use spell check.
• Use names, events, dates, organizations, titles of books, songs, poems, films etc. Be specific – avoid starting sentences with he, she, they, it – use the names of the people you are discussing
• Must include a biography of artist and make bigger connections to their artworks
• Include both formal and contextual analysis of the artist and artwork
• Be formatted correctly
  -12 point Times New Roman font
  -1 inch margins
  -Double spaced
• Include citations – do not cite Wikipedia – end paper with a bibliography/work cited list of your sources
• Use the elements and principles of art we have learned in class and explain your artwork. You must choose a minimum of THREE elements/principles of art and discuss how the artist utilizes them in this artwork.
• Be submitted on Canvas by 11:59pm, April 12th – make sure it is a Word document – no Notes or any other non-academic writing platform – Word is free for students – downloaded it – you will need it throughout college. Do not convert the file to a PDF.

Citations: Always cite your sources whenever you:

Quote a source

Paraphrase information from a source

Summarize information from a source

Here is an example of an MLA in text citation:

The Great Depression affected women disproportionately. Challenges pertaining to the “worthy poor” plagued single women, who were looked upon suspiciously by charity organizations (Le Sueur, 140).

Your papers will be checked for plagiarism. Assignments are compared automatically with a huge database of journal articles, web articles, and previously submitted papers. The instructor receives a report showing exactly how a student’s paper was plagiarized. As per university policy, if you are found to have plagiarized an assignment, you will receive a grade of FF (academic dishonesty) for the course.

Rubric breakdown:

Basic Paper Guidelines: 15

Introductory paragraph with thesis statement: 10

Artist biography and information: 15

Art Work information: 15

Analysis of art work: 30

References, citations. bibliography/works cited: 15

ANSWER

The Persistence of Memory: Exploring the Enduring Legacy of Salvador Dalí’s Masterpiece

Introduction

Art has the remarkable ability to transcend time and space, captivating audiences with its unique power of expression. One such artwork that has captivated me and has stood the test of time is “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dalí. This iconic painting, created in 1931 during the Surrealist movement, continues to resonate with audiences due to its innovative composition, thought-provoking themes, and its significant cultural and historical value.

Biography of Salvador Dalí

Salvador Dalí, born in 1904 in Figueres, Spain, was a prominent figure of the Surrealist movement. He was known for his eccentric personality and his ability to create imaginative and dreamlike artworks (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2023). Dalí’s background in Surrealism and his collaboration with other notable artists of the time, such as André Breton, greatly influenced his artistic style and perspectives. His works often challenged conventional notions of reality, employing unconventional imagery and symbolism to explore the depths of the human psyche.

Analysis of “The Persistence of Memory”

“The Persistence of Memory” is a small-scale oil painting measuring only 9.5 x 13 inches. It features a desolate landscape with melting clocks draped over various objects, including a barren tree and a distorted face. Dalí employs a meticulous technique, characterized by precise brushwork and the seamless blending of colors, to create a sense of otherworldliness and to convey the dreamlike quality of the scene.

Elements and Principles of Art

Form: Dalí’s masterful use of form is evident in the meticulously rendered details of the melting clocks, the solidified elements, and the distorted landscape. The exaggerated forms contribute to the surreal and disorienting atmosphere of the artwork.

Color: The subdued color palette, dominated by earthy tones and cool blues, adds to the mysterious and ethereal ambiance of the painting. The juxtaposition of warm and cool colors enhances the contrast between solid and melting elements, reinforcing the theme of the fluidity of time.

Space: Dalí skillfully manipulates space to create depth and perspective. The barren landscape with its vast expanse and the receding horizon line contribute to the sense of isolation and timelessness conveyed in the artwork.

The Artist’s Purpose and Themes

“The Persistence of Memory” is a powerful representation of Dalí’s fascination with time, memory, and the subconscious. The melting clocks symbolize the fluidity and subjectivity of time, challenging the conventional notion of its linearity. The barren landscape and the distorted face evoke a sense of decay and the fragility of human existence. The title itself suggests the idea that memories persist despite the passage of time, further emphasizing the subjective nature of our perception of reality.

The Value of the Artwork

“The Persistence of Memory” holds immense cultural value as an iconic representation of the Surrealist movement and Dalí’s artistic genius. Its meaning continues to resonate in today’s society, as it invites viewers to contemplate the fluid nature of time and the complexities of the human experience (Thynne, 2022). The artwork’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and challenge preconceived notions, making it a timeless masterpiece.

Art’s Worth and Preservation: The question of whether art is worth risking one’s life for is a complex and subjective matter. However, when considering the immense cultural value of artworks like “The Persistence of Memory,” the argument for preservation becomes compelling. Such artworks offer insights into the human experience, provoke dialogue, and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage (Smieskova, 2014). By risking their lives to protect art, individuals ensure that future generations can experience and appreciate the profound impact that art can have on society.

Personal Response and Conclusion

“The Persistence of Memory” has had a profound impact on me. Its enigmatic imagery and exploration of time and memory have sparked my imagination and broadened my understanding of the possibilities of artistic expression. The artwork’s ability to transcend time, challenge conventions, and provoke introspection highlights its enduring relevance. It serves as a testament to the power of art in stimulating intellectual and emotional responses, reminding us of the value and significance of preserving and celebrating the achievements of human creativity.

In conclusion, Salvador Dalí’s “The Persistence of Memory” is a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences and provoke contemplation. Through its innovative composition, thought-provoking themes, and technical brilliance, this artwork exemplifies the importance of art in reflecting and critiquing the era it was created in, while also offering universal messages that resonate with audiences across time and cultures. By appreciating and preserving artworks like “The Persistence of Memory,” we ensure the continuation of artistic heritage and the exploration of profound human experiences.

References

Smieskova, A. (2014). A word from the editor. Art in Memory. Memory in Art. Comeniusuniversity. https://www.academia.edu/2559716/A_word_from_the_editor_Art_in_Memory_Memory_in_Art 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, May 8). Salvador Dali | Biography, Art, Paintings, Surrealism, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Salvador-Dali 

Thynne, L. (2022). Indirect action: politics and the subversion of identity in Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore’s resistance to the occupation of Jersey. Sussex. https://www.academia.edu/70662295/Indirect_action_politics_and_the_subversion_of_identity_in_Claude_Cahun_and_Marcel_Moores_resistance_to_the_occupation_of_Jersey