CAM Raleigh

Before visiting the Raleigh Contemporary Art Museum, I was never impressed by abstract art. I was always under the impression that anyone could produce a random piece of art and create a fake meaning for it. However, after walking through the Limited Visibility exhibit, my opinion was changed. The exhibit itself held a unique feeling that inspired deep thought and contemplation within myself. The various pieces invoked a calm but creative mood as I ventured around the museum. One piece that provoked the most thought from me was the one titled "Miradas I"

Analysis

The name of the piece of art that I chose to analyze is "Miradas I". The author of this piece is Moris and the size is 69" x 117". This piece of art was created by putting a picture on canvas and using acrylic paint to cover up certain parts. "Miradas I" was created in 2012.

This painting was created in Mexico in 2012. This was a very important time period in Mexico because it marks a period in which there were very high numbers of immigration to the United States from Mexico. The piece portrays 6 individuals who only have their eyes showing. The rest of their bodies are covered by transparent black paint but their outlines can still be seen. Most commonly, on TV or the internet, we see criminals entire bodies with their eyes blocked out. However, this painting is the exact opposite. I think that this is representing that these people, or Mexican immigrants, are not criminals. I believe this painting is a comment on immigration that is saying immigration is not a bad thing. The fact that we are able to see their eyes signifies that they are creating a new identity for themselves in America. From what can be seen, the people in the painting are from different ethnic groups (Caucasian and Hispanic). I think that the purpose of that is to show that Mexican immigrants and Americans can co-exist without a problem.

The author still allows us to see the outline of the people in order to invoke a feeling of humanity within the reader. If the author only depicted the eyes, the viewer would not be able to connect with the painting as well. By using black to cover the people, the painting shows that the immigrants are overcoming or "coming through" their obstacles in order to be successful. Not only does the painting itself hold meaning, but so does the title. In Spanish, the word "mirada" means look or gaze. The title and the use of colors show that the people in the painting are looking through the darkness to a brighter future.