makes comments on the society of its time * know how to discuss the role of fine-art
prints in creating awareness of social issues in society
* understand how to identify some of the
innovations that Dadaism brought to Modern Art
* be able to recognise the role of the
designer in creating new social standards * be able to interpret the impact film can have
on people’s understanding of social issues. Context
It could be said that all art is a commentary on the society it is made in. In this unit, however, we will be looking at the work of some artists who consciously decided to make comments and judgements about society and the issues it faces.
Many artists today feel that their work should hold up a mirror to society, reflecting issues and events that they see as important. What the issues are and how to approach them is something each artist has to work out for themselves.
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Figure 39.1 Napoleon at the Saint-Bernard Pass, 1801–2, by Jacques-Louis David, oil on canvas, 261 × 221 cm, one of five versions of the painting. David represents Napoleon as a heroic, windswept figure controlling his spirited horse, a man in command. The perspective places the viewer at the hero’s feet, looking up in admiration. A number of versions of this painting were made to promote this image of Napoleon.
