In-Lecture Exercise B

 

Edvard Munch, Separation, 1896

Description

This art piece is Separation, by Edvard Munch (1896). 

On first glance, it appears that the setting is a gloomy beach — dark sand, no waves in the ocean and an overcast sky. There is also a barren tree on the left of the painting that suggests that the conditions on that beach are insufficient for life to prosper. Overall, the environment sets a melancholy and grim tone  that is saddening yet befitting of the act of separation between two lovers.

Moving on, the main focal point of Separation is a couple parting ways. The man is leaning against the tree with his back to the water and is dressed smartly in a black suit, while the woman is wearing a bridal gown. The man has his head hung low and is clutching his chest (where his heart is) with a bleeding hand. in front of the man are two small  red silhouettes that lack detail aside from a few streaks across their bodies. As for the lady, she is moving away from the man, facing the water and seems to have this wave-like quality about her which makes it look as if she is floating. Unlike the man, she exudes more confidence with her head held high, almost as though she is excited to leave the man.

Analysis

Separation is very interesting because all elements — living and dead — embody the title of the art piece. For instance, if we ignore the couple and focus solely on the environment, we still observe separation where the sky meets the sea and where the dark sand creates a strong distinction between land and sea. To this end, Munch has used colors and lines effectively to split up various aspects of the painting.

The couple also shows signs of separation, not just in the very act of moving away from each other, but also in the differences in their appearances. While the man is so heartbroken by his loss, the woman is devoid of emotion, generating a sense of imbalance and incongruity in the way they feel towards each other.  

Furthermore, there is a difference in the way that the couple is painted. The man is drawn with "solid", straight lines, totally contrasting the smooth and wavy lines with which the woman is drawn. This gives the woman a very carefree and "light" vibe that goes against the heavy, distraught mood the man gives off.  

Hence, while a couple would ideally feel the same way towards each other, Separation clearly depicts the discrepancy between the emotions of man and woman. 

Interpretation

Separation expresses the pain of losing a partner. Emotions will run high, though sometimes the feeling is not reciprocated by the other party; one may be suffering in isolation. Form the man's perspective, it might not just be his partner that he loses but also the plans they had in mind. 

For example, if the man had planned to have children, this plan is nothing but a memory once the woman leaves. This is depicted by the two small red silhouettes in front of the man that could symbolize the children he planned to have. The silhouettes are also painted in red, which is universally understood to signify life and love. Lastly, the environment is also bleak, which suggests that when you lose a loved one, everything in the world may go "dark" and not be as cheerful as it once was. 

As Munch's fame and wealth grew, his emotional state remained insecure. He briefly considered marriage, but could not commit himself.. Thus, though it may not be a painting of his own situation, I believe that Munch meant to express the pain of losing a loved one through this painting. 

Judgement

I feel that this art piece is valuable because it aptly conveys the pain that one would feel when he/she is heartbroken by the loss of a loved one. Munch exhibited not only his ability to illustrate a separation, but also channel the feelings of loneliness and helplessness through the canvas to the viewer. Though I have personally not been heartbroken, seeing this piece makes my heart ache; I am so convinced by Munch's skills that viewing this work makes me shudder from the thought of losing a loved one myself. To this end, I find Separation to be an excellent piece of work as viewing it triggers certain emotions in me that make me sympathize with the man in the painting.