Formal Analysis of Screaming Faces Art

Formal Analysis of Screaming Faces Art              

Manasiah Akpaliapik is one of Canada's most renowned modern Inuit artists. Conceived in the far north and forced into a residential school as a child, he grieved the demise of his wife and two kids in an inferno when he was just 25. I have no data on how these atrocities may have informed the Screaming Faces art, albeit it is clear that he can convey raw pain with immense artistic masterpieces. Akpaliapik was devoted to honing his creative skills and attended Red River College in Winnipeg, MB, prior to indulging in an apprenticeship in Montreal, OC. His early arts were highly comprehensive and descriptive, albeit his technical skills augmented his style changed to include more details of Inuit legends and myths. Akpaliapik represents human attachment to animals, Inuit legends and features of shamanism, as well as modern social issues that threaten Inuit societies. Akpaliapik’s art has appeared in several group and solo exhibitions in public and commercial arts across Canada and overseas.             

The Screaming Faces art displays shape, line and texture from the key characteristics of art. The shape is portrayed through the circle and oval heads of the sculpture. The line is described in the artifact of the fingers and finer details of the faces. The texture is evidenced in the smooth stone carried throughout the sculpture. These are key features that factor into the final sculpture.             

Akpaliapik reckons that "workmanship is the key factor that guides his passion for doing art." Art was like therapy to him as it aided Akpaliapik in coping with the loss. Through his art, he is able to leave a legacy for the next generation. Every one of his art tells his individual story. While making art, Akpaliapik tries not to impose his ideas on the material too much. He follows the material and how it is alive and wants to be this way or that way. 

"Screaming Faces" Art Analysis 

(Akpaliapik, 1991) 

The artwork, "Screaming Faces" is a captivating and thought-provoking piece of art by a contemporary Inuk artist, Manasiah Akpaliapik. Although it’s not a famous artwork, this art, which scrutinizes topics of identity, tradition, and the effects of modernization on indigenous cultures, has great cultural and emotional significance. Like many Inuk artists, Manasiah Akpaliapik utilizes art to communicate stories, preserve cultural history, and express the complicated emotions brought on by the blending of tradition and modernity.  Thus, this narrative-based strategy is best illustrated by "Screaming Faces." 

Although the artwork "Screaming Faces" is a multifaceted piece that can elicit a variety of responses and considerations, after my first glance, I noted that the sculpture's main theme is the representation of human features mired in agony, rage, or possibly other strong emotions. The mix of ivory and darkly stained grey stone creates a stark contrast that draws attention to the contrasts between light and dark, life and death, and happiness and misery (Akpaliapik, 1991). Viewers are encouraged to consider the dualities present in human existence by the juxtaposition of various materials. 

Additionally, the medium of stone was chosen with great symbolic significance. The black staining indicates the somber, intense emotions while stone is durable and represents eternity. On the other hand, the ivory components of the sculpture can be seen as a representation of purity or as a sharp contrast to its darker features. The duality of the medium and color scheme adds to the piece of art's overall depth. 

Similarly, the title, "Screaming Faces" is symbolic. The title suggests a strong emotional resonance to the viewer. The choice of the artist to depict the screaming faces causes the audience to react viscerally. It inspires reflection on the cause of their suffering, the environment in which it exists, and the ubiquity of human misery. As a result of the viewer's own experiences resonating with the depiction of such great emotion, empathy and connection are evoked (Internet encyclopedia of philosophy n.d). Furthermore, "Screaming Faces" can be interpreted as a commentary on human nature, particularly in light of indigenous peoples and their hardships. Inuit artist Akpaliapik frequently includes aspects of his culture and history in his creations. The anguish and suffering experienced by indigenous communities as a result of colonization, marginalization, and cultural repression may be reflected in this sculpture. The eerie faces could represent the group suffering of a people whose voices have been muted. 

In conclusion, Manasiah Akpaliapik's sculpture "Screaming Faces" explores the depths of human emotion, cultural symbols, and the ongoing problems of indigenous tribes. Akpaliapik's artwork challenges spectators to face their own emotions and think critically about the bigger questions of human suffering through the materials he has used, the intense looks on the faces, and the entire composition. The artwork “Screaming Faces" serves as a powerful reminder of the value of safeguarding and valuing works of art that express the human condition.             

Bibliography

Akpaliapik, Manasiah. “Screaming Faces.” 1991. Art Gallery of Ontario. 

Ryzik, Melena, Morris, Wesley, Murphy, Mekado, Ugwu, Reggie, Louis, Pierre-Antoine and Mitter Sddhartha. “Art that confronts and challenges racism: start here. “The New York Times. Internet encyclopedia of philosophy. (n.d.). https://iep.utm.edu/art-and-emotion/