In order to fully comprehend this assignment, I decided I would first find a definition of Magical Realism. According to Wikipedia.com, “magical realism is an artistic genre in which elements appear in an otherwise realistic setting or a ‘marvelous reality.’” Key elements of magical realism include fantastic elements, which may be intrinsically plausible but never explained. Symbols and imagery are used extensively in order to exhibit the richness of sensory details. It presents multiple standpoints and an internal narration on shared relationships and memories. Emotions and human sexuality as a social construct are often developed in great detail. Finally, the magical reality is accepted and the logic is not questioned and are often left open-ended (wikipedia.com). According to information provided in the readings on ANGEL, I found that magical realism is a style used by many artists including Frida Kahlo in her Wounded Deer and to have various meaning. Frida Kahlo’s works embodied biographical details for her life, including her Wounded Deer. “Her works frequently reveal an incendiary subtext, whether they are questioning power relationships between developed and developing nations, testing the role of women within a patriarchal society, or attempting to reconcile the global histories and religions of East and West.” In this assignment we were asked to combine various components to form a similar artwork to that of Frida’s Wounded Deer. These components consisted or a self-portrait combined with an animal in an environment in which it could survive. These realistic elements combine to form an unrealistic, “marvelous” reality necessary to have magical realism. Frida’s deer with pierced arrows relates to “her suffering due to her failing health and turbulent relationship, but is also a summation of a worldview in which different cultures and belief systems combine. She inscribed the word ‘carma’ referring to reincarnation. The arrows allude to Christian images of St. Sebastian and the deer symbolizes an alter-ego and the right foot-Kahlo’s injured limb” (Tate).
For this project I thought of a variety of different animals that I could relate myself to, but none as perfect as the lion. I called my portrait “Lioness in Paradise.” Not only am I proud to be a Nittany Lion and like to sleep more than the average person (lions are inactive for 20 hours a day), but also, they are so darn cute. Lions have two types of social organization. They tend to travel in groups usually consisting of their family or they are nomads, either singly or in pairs, while they enjoy good fellowship by showing affection. I’d find myself to be live my life independently while remaining close to my family similar to the social organization of the lions. Lions represent strength and courage. I like to think that every step I take in life involves strength, courage, and confidence. The lioness is more agile and faster and does the pride’s hunting. This represents my belief that women are just as capable if not more able than men. Finally, according to animal symbolism a lion represents just laws and fairness. I find this quite fitting for my personality and my life ambitions because I want to go to law school and become a lawyer to argue for justice.
The background environment included a fairy tale night setting with water, palm trees, and a bright moon. It was isolated and intended to be peaceful and relaxing to compensate for all the hard work the lioness does for her family. I chose this environment because not only do I love tropical settings, but also I always love to go to place to relax alone, and take in the beauty and serenity. Essentially it was PARADISE.
The magical realism and unrealistic aspects of this artwork can be very beneficial to women. It allows them to dream. They can dream of themselves in ideal situations or even just relaxing situations where they feel most comfortable. They can be themselves while not being themselves at all (i.e a lion in paradise). They are able to depict themselves as doing whatever they want with no fear of being objectified or looked strangely upon for acting outside the norm. Magical realism is used here to describe oneself in an unrealistic scene with realistic tendencies and like Frida Kahlo, it demonstrates much more that the picture initially depicts.
Modern Tate. Frida Kahlo.
http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/kahlo/roomguide.shtm
Animal Symbolism. San Diego Academy.
http://www.writedesignonline.com/assignments/masks/animalsymbolism.htm
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