Art Analysis: Alice Neel

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Recommended: Is art important

Alice Neel
English Composition II
Professor Michael Cain
Kamala Chan
September 12, 2014

Throughout history, many artists have made their mark, and left their legacy in the world with their artwork. Their pieces are their stories, their lives, and their life's purpose. However, many times, the modern world may not see these works of art as stories, but instead, as just, art! If one were to take the time to learn about the artist and their life, art would be so much easier to understand, and read. One artist in particular whose life can be reflected in her artwork is Alice Neel. Alice Neel was born in the early twentieth century, a time when women didn't have an opinion. She tells a reporter that she remembers her mother telling her, "I …show more content…

It shows her at eighty years old, she paints her mirror reflection, and she is completely naked. She shows herself as an elderly woman with many imperfections. She shows saggy breasts and wrinkled skin. She illustrates the opposite image of a perfect woman. (Cremmins, 2104) When she discussed this painting, she said "Frightful isn't it? I love it. At least it shows a certain revolt against everything decent". (Cremmins, 2104) This painting shows her literal reflection. It is of her painting how she views herself in the world. She is pure, she is naked, and she is truth. She paints herself with all her differences and flaws. She believed in being human, not being perfect. It shows in this particular piece of artwork, where she focuses on herself instead of others. She doesn't hide who she is for the world and its …show more content…

(n.d.). Retrieved September 11, 2014, from Alice Neel: http://www.aliceneel.com/biography/
Cremmins, L. (2104, February 14). Alice Neel: Portraits of Women in 1970's America. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from American Studies: http://www.americansc.org.uk/Online/Online_2012/neel.html
Gribbon, D. A. (2014, March 5). Reflection and Identity: Examining the Work of Artist Alice Neel. Retrieved September 2104, 2014, from Cleveland Museum of Art: http://www.clevelandart.org/blog/2014/03/05/reflection-and-identity-examining-work-artist-alice-neel
Nadel, A. (2007). Alice Neel. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from Pabook Libraries:

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