What is Metamorphosis?
• Metamorphosis is the gradual change from one form into another.
• This change occurs in many living things often in stages, such as a the butterfly, which changes form the larval to the adult form.
Here are 4 artworks that show metamorphosis and change
• The Natural Graces• The Gardener• Forest-piece at
Schnaitsee (performance)
• Grotesque No.1
MC ESCHER: FISH AND BIRDS
The Natural GracesRene Magritte
1962
• This straightforward and sentimental work showing foliage growing into doves expresses the unity of nature.
• It has a monumental character, heightened by the small scale of the distant landscape.
• The gentleness of the creatures is contrasted with the arid mountains on the horizon.
• The feelings of peace and tranquillity are reflected in this painting
What is camouflage?
• Camouflage is an indirect process in nature which contributes to the survival of the species.
Here is an artwork that
uses camouflage
Forest-piece at SchnaitseeIs a performance piecemade in 1972.
A woman dissolves into the forest, her chameleon-like body disappears, becoming part of the mossy vegetationof the forest floor.
• Photomontage is the overlapping and pasting of photographic images to create a new artwork.
• In Grotesque No. 1 an elaborate photomontage by Australian artist Fiona McDonald, incongruous textures are drawn together to create a surreal image.
• The artist uses simulated textures, while the surfaces look sharp, spiny, warm, rough and slippery, the finished artwork has a smooth surface quality
GROTESQUE NO.1
CITATIONS
Swinglehurst, Edmund The Art of the Surrealists Sydney Australia: The Book Company 1995.
Craig, Diana. The Life and Works of Archimboldo Great Britain: Paragon Book Service Limited 1996.
Harris, Nathaniel The Life and Works of Dali Book Service Limited 1994.
Chees, Broos, Slade et al. In the Picture- Framing the Visual Arts Australia: Oxford University Press 1996.
M.C. Escher – Works of Art London: Leopard Books – Random House 1994.
“Monarch Butterfly Metamorphosis.” Metamorphosis. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2001.
Escher’s Metamorphosis. < www.insite.com.br/rodrigo/images/ escher/metamorphosis.html >.
Biography of M.C. Escher <http://www.mcescher.com/Biography/biography.html>.
Dali Prints 8 < http://a-prints.com/d/dali8.shtml>.
© Copyright NSW Department of Education and Training 2003.