Deanna Lardieri

Critique of Christopher Demchak

Artwork: It is a board with 3 images attached to it, a skull, (which is labeled “frontal lobe”) a heart, and a crucifix/mostly monochromatic

Materials: corkboard, ink, colored pencil, cross (found object?), paper

Interpretation: I believe he is trying to get the point across that the 3 images are what make a man; being the mind (or head), the heart, and faith. This gives it a very personal, delicate, feeling about what his personal beliefs might be. I think the piece is a little ambiguous (which is not a bad thing at all!) There is a distinct scientific look to the piece, especially because the skull is labeled and on corkboard which is symbolic for information. That suggests that he is involving humanity or evolution somehow as one of his beliefs. However the centered crucifix could suggest there is more to his belief system than evolution or science. But, the skull and the heart are body parts that connect to religion as well. I believe if not anywhere else, religion is in one’s heart and mind. So I get a feeling of science from the look of it and materials but the subject matter can be very religious if you look at it a certain way

Critique: This piece reminds me of what could’ve been the preliminary sketches for his self portrait project. I do think it looks unfinished but has an identifiable direction, which is a good start. I’d like to see some literal connection between the images such as lines connecting them or shapes behind them. I also think he should play with the composition until the images find their places. The ink is nicely used and the heart and skull look very well drawn.