Dominic A.

Pizarro
ART 300
2 October 2014
Art Criticism using Feldman Model
Name of Artist: Vladmir Kush
Date of Birth: 1965
Place of Birth: Moscow, Russia
Title of Artwork: Spirit of Beethoven
Medium Used: Painting

A. DESCRIPTION
Beginning in the mouth of the phonograph, there are visibly heavy lines leading to the face of
Beethoven; Beethovens hair itself is made of curved, graceful, and smooth lines leading out to the edge
of the phonograph. Curved lines are also utilized to display the falling sheet music as well as the curled
sheet music below the phonograph. Jagged, fuzzy lines are utilized to display the far distant forest in the
background of the painting. Tree circles are present: one is the mouth of the phonograph and the other
two are on the record. Te base of the phonograph is composed of curved rectangles and sof edged
organic shapes making the legs. Te forest in the background provides a rough simulated texture
contrasting the smooth texture of the phonograph. Te phonograph has both dull and shiny aspects of
texture in diferent spots, but consistently displays a texture of hardness. Te cool color of blue
comprises the background of the painting and is also used in the fowing water of the river. Te warm
color of red is only shown in the middle of the record and the phonographs handle, however slight hues
of orange are evident on the mouth of the phonograph. Te painting displays trees, sky, a phonograph,
water, a falling star, and the face of Beethoven.
B. ANALYSIS
Te painting uses asymmetrical balance by placing the mouth of the phonograph and Beethovens face
on the right of the painting and extending the neck of the phonograph throughout the lef side of the
painting. Te most light appears on the top right surrounding the mouth of the phonograph and this
light is refected in the river below the phonograph. Te focal point of the painting is the mouth of the
phonograph and Beethovens face, outlined by the bright white moonlight. Te falling sheet music also
leaves a trail pointing to the mouth of the phonograph. Tis focal point also occupies the majority of the
painting so therefore drawing immediate attention. Te trees of the forest seem to disappear into deep
space as if they continue for miles along with the river. Te phonograph however, seems to be in shallow
space, very close and occupying much of the foreground. Te majority of dark space is comprised of the
rocks where the phonograph sits on the bottom lef of the painting; some of the dark space also exists in
the bottom right amongst the frst row of trees. Rhythm is created within the multiple uses of
repetition: the curved lines in Beethovens hair, the jagged lines of the trees, and the repeated use of blue.
C. INTERPRETATION
Kush is not primarily concerned with imitating nature due to the lack of detail and individuality
amongst the trees of the forest. Kush is mostly interested in expressing an intense feeling of calm and
refrences Beethovens Moonlight Sonata with the moonlight surrounding the mouth of the
phonograph; the constant use of blue also adds to this feeling of calmness due to blue being cool color.
Although Kush utilizes both shapes and lines, his prime concern lies within his use of lines and the
contrast between the curved lines of Beethovens hair and the jagged lines of the dark forest; this
contrast of lines resembles the many contrasts evident throughout Beethovens music. Te title of the
painting, Spirit of Beethoven, implies the purpose of the painting is to display the Beethovens spirit
and the spirit and emotions of his music through the chosen setting. Overall the painting provides a
sense of stillness, peace, beauty, and simplicity in the design of both the phonograph and the dark trees.;
neither the phonographs or the trees have very detailed texture, leaving the focus of the painting to be
on Beethovens face and hair.
D. JUDGMENT
Tis painting is an excellent example of emotionalism as well as surrealism. Te juxtaposition of
Beethovens face inside the phonograph shocks the onlooker, but still maintains a signifcant amount of
realism and recognizability. Te smooth fow of the sheet music along with the river displays the main
feeling of peace and calm exhibited throughout the painting. I personally like this artwork due to its
focus on a great classical composer and the reference to his masterpiece the Moonlight Sonata.