Three Paintings

  Henri De Toulouse Lautrec was a French impressionist painter that was born on  November 24, 1864 in the Midi-Pyrenees region of France. He was born to an aristocratic family and at an early age displayed very prominent artistic abilities. At the age of eight, Lautrec went to live to Paris with his mother, at this point the family realized the young boy's talent and was appointed an informal art teacher named Rene Princeteau.  Lautrec's painting's were highly linear and gave great emphasis on countour and light. Plagued with a short stature and physical appearance, Lautrec consoled himself with alcohol. He died on on September 9 1901. Nevertheless, his paintings are worth in the millions.

 Title: In Bed  (1893)

In this painting we can see two people who are laying in bed together facing each other. The scene is very serene and the hues are bright and illustrious, giving a sense of peacefulness, delight and comfort. A very straight forward painting that creates an ambiance of relaxation. The facial expression also seems to express tranquility. 

 "Femmes de Maison" (1893)

Literally translated: "The females of the House", this painting alluded to the brothels of Paris during the 19th century. In this scene, one can see a customer approaching a prostitute with what looks to be the intent of paying for her services. The colors displayed in this painting seem very pale in comparison to the first painting. However, there is an emphasis on the contour lines of the bodies. While the background color is dark and shady. It is curious to note that both figures have their backs turned, perhaps it is a reference to the social stigma that was attached to prostitution.

                                                                                                                       
                                                                     
The Laundress (1889)

In this painting Lautrec paints a laundry worker contemplating the outside. Once again Lautrec emphasizes on the contour of the woman, while the background color is a neutral tone. This painting gives the impression that the woman is tired of her job and seeking in her thoughts a new life.  Perhaps many people during this era were subjugated to work in jobs that left them desiring for more.

                                                                                                                          

Nonconforming Art

" I don't want words that other people have invented. All the words are other people's inventions. I want my own stuff, my own rhythm, and vowels and consonants too, matching the rhythm and all my own. If this pulsation is seven yards long, I want words for it that are seven yards long. Mr Schulz's words are only two and a half centimetres long."           

                                                                                                        Hugo Ball 1916

     I believe that the author gives an insight into what is the core theme of Dadaism. It is art that is unique and unprecedented. Art that cannot be defined, a language in of it's own.  Breaking free from past ideologies, to create a new radical form of expression that seeks to revolutionize and extent the boundaries of art. To understand Dadaism, one must first understand that it arose because of anti-war sentiments and it sought to protest against anything that was established. It was a manifestation of discontent that resulted in a movement of nonconformity.
     To be completely honest, I do not understand the Dadaist art itself, nonetheless I appreciate the overall importance in the creation of it and the circumstances under which it was formed. This new form of art allowed nonconforming artist to express their dissatisfaction with what was going on at that time. I do agree in being able to express one's own discontent whether that be through protest, art or manifestations. The important theme is to not conform. To express what one feels, with no fear of retaliation.
     It seems that in modern times, our society has lost its interest in protesting. We have conformed to what our government gives us and we do not demand what is rightfully ours. For example, until recently the Occupy Wall Street had sparked interest and camaraderie amongst those dissatisfied with the income inequality and wealth distribution of this country. Unfortunately, it lasted for a few months only with no result at all. Maybe that is why people stop protesting because in order to make a real changes drastic measures are a necessity.