Life Strands

This drawing is called "Life Strands" by Hong Chun Zhang. He used a huge piece of paper that rolls out onto the floor and drew it with charcoal. You can tell it's a drawing by the distinct individual strands of hair that stick out in the braid. It is in black and white, therefore you can assume it is done with charcoal or a pencil like substance. This picture is representational of a long braid. There is no questioning that it isn't and it is extremely realistic. It almost looks as if it is 3D because of the shadows he uses. The iconography of this piece may be that the beginning of the braid represents a strong life and by the end it is fading away, symbolizing death.

Reporting of Form & Content: Adoration of the Magi

Adoration of the Magi by Filippino Lippi is an oil painting on panel (wood). A representation of the visitation of the three kings to the Christ child, Lippi used the primary colors in the garments of the main focus of Mary & Joseph in the Holy Family and the Magi. The Christ Child's garment is white, which symbolizes purity. The use of the white makes Him stand out while sitting on his Mother's lap. The primary colors were used against a dark, naturalistic wooden frame of possibly a barn,  in the background. The blue sky and landscaping are naturalistic, as well, and make this wooden structure stand out in contrast against the blue sky and green foliage.The faces on the main characters in the front show much love and devotion to this Child. The two characters to the right may be conversing about the Child, or from where they began their journey.

Love and War.

The image shown is a photograph taken by the famous photography duo known as "Petrovsky and Ramone", that portrays a collaboration of Love and War. The composition and content of this photograph displays the word "LOVE", centered, created by the arrangement of bullets and/or bullet shell casings. I think the iconography of this image represents the events that are taking place in our world today as far as the war in Iraq. I also believe this photograph art work gives off the message that love can be expressed in many ways, including war.

- Alfonso Robles