Define Intertextuality.
"Intertexuality, one of the central ideas in contemporary literary theory, is not a transparent term and so, despite its confident utilization by many theorists and critics, cannot be evoked in an uncomplicated manner." (Allen, 2000) I believe the term would have to be one of the most commonly used and misused terms in contemporary critical vocabulary. In it's symplist form Intertextuality is defined as the shaping of texts' meanings by other texts. Since it was coined in the 1960s, the term has, itself, been borrowed and transformed many times. "The term is defined so variously that it is, currently, akin to such terms as 'the Imagination', 'history', or 'Postmodernism': terms which are, to employ a phrase from the work of the US critic Harold Bloom, undetermined in meaning and overdetermined in figuaration." (Allen, 2000)
How might we make sense of Wiley's work? Identify intertextuality within his work.
I imagine we would make sense of Wiley's work by understanding his background and the stereotypes he grew up with. Wiley did not meet his father till he was 20 ("PUMA commissions Contemporary Artist Kehinde Wiley to create portraits of African Football Players to Celebrate World Cup 2010 Campaign" 2010), therefore to grow up without a father figure, I wouldn't hesitate to believe there were some older male figures he would have looked up to. It could be possible the contemporary urban African American figures portrayed in the context of his works are somewhat of the stereotype Wiley grew up with and looked up to, as these figures are presented in heroic-like poses.
Wiley's work relates to next weeks Postmodern theme "PLURALISM" . Discuss how the work relates to this theme.
"Pluralism in art refers to the nature of artforms and artists as diverse. The cultural context of art is all encompassing in its respect for the art of the world's cultures. Inclusion of individuals of differing ethnicities, genders, ideologies, abilities, ages, religions, economic status and educational levels is valued. Pluralism honours differences within and between equitable groups while seeing their commonalities." (Caldwell, 1999)
Wiley's work relates to Pluralism in a sense that he has portrayed African Americans as a dominant culture within American society. Before Barrack Obama became the president of the United States in 2009, there had only ever been white Americans elected president. At the time of when Wiley's work was made, it may have been assumed that white Americans were the dominant culture within the US. However, Wiley's themes challenge that assumption as he presents African Americans in his works as bold and powerful individuals.
Comment on how Wiley's work raises questions around social/cultural hierarchies , colonisation, globalisation, stereotypes and the politics which govern a western worldview.
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| Titian's Venus of Urbino |
One of Wiley's paintings in particular presents a composition similar to Renaissance artist Titian's Venus of Urbino. It is possible this similarity is evidence Wiley may have been influenced by Renaissance portrait ideas.
It is possible Wiley's political views are also evident within his works. The presentation of some of the figures in his works remind me of the American presidential portraits in the White House. Almost in a sense that he was foreshadowing a black presidency, that which is now existent with Barrack Obama being the current president of the United States.
Add some reflective comments of your own, which may add more information that
you have read during your research.
I find Wiley's works to be incredibly stereotypical in some cases, but at the same time he goes as far as contrasting against his own themes. With some images having somewhat of a ruthless and gangster nature about them, to having the same character in a completely different setting almost as if he's insulting the stereotype he so often works with.
Reference List:
- Allen, G (2000) Intertexuality (The New Critical Idiom). London, UK: Routledge.
- PUMA commissions Contemporary Artist Kehinde Wiley to create portraits of African Football Players to Celebrate World Cup 2010 Campaign. (2010). Retrieved from http://creative.puma.com/us/en/2010/01/puma-commissions-contemporary-artist-kehinde-wiley-to-create-portraits-of-african-football-players-to-celebrate-world-cup-2010-campaign/
- Cadwell, B (1999) Cultural Context. Retrieved from http://www.public.iastate.edu/~design/ART/NAB/PluArt.html
- http://www.cretique.com/archives/4012
- http://www.deitch.com/artists/sub.php?artistId=11
I like how you have pictures where I can tell where Wiley had got his idea, Like the Titian's Venus of Urbino with his work. I can easily tell why he paints the man like that. Just like how you said in question number 4, “I look at the style in which Wiley work's in and I feel there is somewhat of a subtle reference to the nature of Renaissance portraiture”. I reckon Wiley did get his ideas from the Renaissance period and recreate it with his culture. I also agree with what you said about him foreshadowing a black presidency. It’s a point of view which I don’t see and really opposite thoughts but I can see how your thoughts are from and it is very reasonable too.
ReplyDeleteI like your comparison of Wiley’s work, that “the presentation of some of the figures in his works remind me of the American presidential portraits in the White House.” I think a lot of Renaissance and Western paintings are quite similar to propaganda art in terms of how they present an idealised impression of the person that is being painted, therefore it is not a truthful representation. It can be seen that Wiley’s work is a challenge or criticism to that by painting African Americans, people that you can see on the street.
ReplyDeleteI agree your explanation of how Wiley’s work relate to intextuality, “It could be possible the contemporary urban African American figures portrayed in the context of his works are somewhat of the stereotype Wiley grew up with and looked up to, as these figures are presented in heroic-like poses” and I interest your quote, that “the presentation of some of the figures in his works remind me of the American presidential portraits in the White House.” Oh I glad you find out the Titian's Venus of Urbino. Its really good, when think about intextuality, and I like to know how painter change the style of the original paint.
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