Tradition vs Modernity

Tradition vs Modernity

Image by Carl Warner

Image By Carl Warner

Tradition The two pieces by Carl Warner are two separate displays of tradition, directly juxtaposing the modernity of todays world and art culture.

The original picture, depicts a woman draped in cloth, surrounded by pieces of fabric.

This stereotypical representation of the ’old school’ or ‘traditional’ woman brings to light how women used to be seen, a vast difference from todays woman which has been drastically changed through changes in rights and the success of feminist movements.

In parallel, the art piece entitled “Quixote and Panza” is the stereotypical representation of the traditional man. The image shows two males, a man and a boy right next to each other. The boy almost seems like a younger representation of the man who has a spear and appears to be armored. These two images work in parallel to represent the traditional man and women of a past time, however, today these stereotypes have been broken down and challenged so much they seem like a piece of history.

Image by Carl Warner

Image by Carl Warner

Image by Carl Warner

Image by Carl Warner

Modernity The four pieces of art which outlines a vastly more modern depiction of both males and females. The apparent theme present across all of these sets of works is the prevelant focus on appearance.

Women, posing on the beach and in situations where they are supposed to be relaxing.

The presence of nudity in front of a blank background. A woman wearing a t-shirt which has the symbol of the comic book hero Superman plastered on the front. All depictions of women within these images directly oppose the traditional women previously explored in the images.

In addition, the men are no longer shrouded in armor, instead their bodies are built to look like they are covered in armor. The ‘Strongman’ who is seen to be a blend between robot and man. The one who does not look like this is sad, shunned away from the world.

The artworks show the large focus on appearance in the modern day, rather than actually be a warrior they look like one. The women, instead of being draped in clothes have now removed them to show off their appearance. The change from traditional to modern is entirely caused by the prioritization of appearance in the modern day.

Tradition The photography art by Carl Warner ‘Spiritual Australia’ is a headshot of a boy from a more traditional time. Modestly dressed, blank expression and a perfectly framed headshot.

The black and white photo and clear separation where shadows darken one side of his face.

This photograph depicts the traditional teenager, someone who has a role and must perform it, whether that’s in their job or other aspects of life. The presence of symmetry in a way is what helps create a powerful piece of photography.

Modernity Juxtaposing the ‘Spiritual Australia’ image is ‘Boy with a Surfboard Cross. Smiling, shirtless, asymmetrical and demonstrating his hobby. The modern teenager lacks responsibility and wants to have a good time.

The comparison between colour and black and white is representative of the responsibility which is present in each photograph. The teenager plagued with responsibility in ‘Spiritual Australia’ and the teenager free of that burden in ‘Boy with a surfboard cross’ is a clear comparison of the differences between traditional and modern teenagers.

Tradition vs Modernity Traditional art depicts strong stereotypes in the modern day. The hunter gatherer man, the stay-at-home woman, the obedient teenager. Modernity represented in art challenges these perceptions of people by showing off what people strive for nowadays. The strong, independent woman, the muscley man who does it for show, the naked lady.

While these modern goals are being achieved through movements and people having more freedom than ever, the negative affects of these goals being achieved seems to be more apparent than ever. Depression, anxiety and other disorders are represented in the undertone of all pieces of art representing modernity. Through all the change, has the situation regarding altered perceptions and stereotypes improved?

Publisher: Grelck Publishing Address: 13 Kevpat Pl, Nudgee, 4014 Phone: 0448688740 Email: MRG023@student.usc.edu.au YOP: 2023 ISBN: 1809283 Edition Number: 1 The designer: Michael Grelck Contributing artists: Carl Warner, Fiona Foley, ALEC Printer: Grelck Publishing The Commonwealth Copyright Act (1968) provides the legislative framework for the copying and communication of print, electronic, and audio-visual material at the University of Notre Dame Australia. The provisions of the act apply to the research and teaching activities of both staff and students.

The Copyright Act gives authors and other copyright owners of original 'works' the exclusive right to reproduce, publish, communicate, and adapt their material; and to licence, transfer, or sell it to other people.

Works protected by copyright include almost all written materials in any format including images, music and other sound recordings, as well as films and other visual media.