A Structuralist would likely see a plant like image on a blank background, with leaves and some type of buds. On the buds, a mask or clown head appears to have bloomed. The head has human physical features, and looks like its face is painting white with a collar of some type around its neck. A Non-Structuralist would believe there was imagery and symbolism. The plant could represent life or living, and the people or lives that grow and then die, and the lives yet to come to the world. The clown or figures face may represent a person or group, perhaps one which is misunderstood or disliked, based on the look of sadness and despair visible in the face. There are many theories that could be said, however the main difference is that a Non-Structuralist would insist that there is symbolism and not just reality.
Explain the difference between Structuralism and Non-Structuralism.
Structuralism relies on the concept that interpretations should not focus on signs and symbols, but rather analyze the piece for what it is. Non-Structuralism refers to how the art relates to the artists personal concept of self.
Explain the difference between autobiography and biography.
Autobiography is any artwork that express something about the artist's life. Biography expresses the artist's life and personality through his/her works of art.
Name the painting above and its artist. How would a Structuralist view this painting? How would a Non-Structuralist view this painting?
A Structuralist would argue that the painting is of a grain stack in a natural landscape. A Non-Structuralist would argue that the grain stack has a symbolic meaning. Symbolic meanings could include, the grain stack as a symbol of peasant life, the importance of the setting, or the specific color.
