Blog Post 13

1) Guyasamin's art has a very "bare bones" sort of aesthetic to it. He uses very geometric and angular shapes and limits the color palettes of most of his works. His lines are very crisp and his shadows provide stark contrast The simplicity of the outward aesthetic underscores the politically charged subject matter of Guyasamin's work. His pieces are often very political, he gives voices to the struggles of many marginalized groups in Ecuador. Many of his works document violence and suffering around the world, from poverty in India to wars in South America. Guyasamin's work is emotionally charged both for the raw simplicity of the emotions he paints on the faces of his subjects and the underlying political tones.

2) The subjects of Guyasamin's art document the struggles and the joys of life for average Ecuadorians. Many Ecuadorians fall into categories of marginalized people such as indigenous groups or African Americans; many of Guyasamin's works speak strongly to these people who have struggled so much. His art speaks and relates to the people of the country. The painting of Augosto Pinochet was likely removed from the exhibit because it is surrounded by a noose. Hanging a dictator from a noose sends a very strong political message that is different from the message that I believe the museum was trying to send. The museum is called the "chapel of man" and it documents the suffering of many groups of people as well as the love that brings other groups together for a specific reason. Chapels are holy places that are meant to be free from violence. Being agnostic, I think that Guyasamin intended for this to be a place of hope for everyone, regardless of their beliefs. A work that mimics an act of violence does not seem to fit in a "chapel." The chapel of man is a message of hope for a future with less suffering. The painting of Pinochet gives an air of vengance and targeted anger that clashes with the message of leaving suffering for a brighter future.