Connectivity

Bricolage and it's use in contemporary culture

The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci, 1495-1498

The Last Supper (Dove) Andy Warhol, 1986

Here is an example of Bricolage being used in contemporary culture. Using the iconic Leonardo Da Vinci piece, 'The Last Supper,' Andy Warhol has taken the image and re worked it, leaving the audience with a lasting message which is still relevent today, despite the original being over 500 years old.

Andy Warhol was a Byzantine Catholic and his religious beliefs influenced the way that he reworked this painting. He communicated his religious beliefs in this piece. The principle of the piece remains the same, in the background, Jesus and His 12 disciples are pictured having their last supper. However the use of bricolage has allowed Warhol to update the piece and use a more contemporary way to gain the attention of an audience.

Certain messages are encoded in this piece making it easier to understand. The use of the 'Dove' logo gives multiple interpretations . It comments on not only the modern culture of today but also the religious symbol of the dove. In the image the actual dove is shown flying above Jesus' head representing the Holy Spirit.


In the right hand corner is the GE logo, an electrical company, so perhaps this was used to symbolise the giver of life, which in this context would be God. The company motto, 'brings good things to life' also refers to religious ideas. The symbolism in this piece suggests that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are all present.

Those recognising the significance of the symbols in Warhol's work are likely to be of a similar background and this evokes the feeling of belonging to those with his beliefs. Therefore it could appeal to a wide cross section of people of all ages,gender and race who share religious beliefs.
If  someone looked at this image with no knowledge of Christian beliefs  it may be interpreted in an entirely different way, with the company logo's almost becoming an advertisment rather than symbolic of religion.

Notions of originality

 The first view of the altar - St. Sebastian (left), The Crucifixion (central), St. Anthony(right), Entombment (bottom).  Matthias Grünewald 1510-1515

War Triptych, Otto Dix 1929-1932

Otto Dix has taken the composition of Matthias Grunewald's piece and applied it to his own subject matter. This enhances the point of his piece and creates a deeper meaning. It is important to be aware that Otto Dix fourght in World War One, volunteering in the German army. This of course puts his painting into context, as the audience can witness his first hand, visually rich depicitions of the war. This is a painting from expierence and Otto uses this piece to portray the horrors of war. The painting is shockingly vivid, showing men severely wounded and bleeding to death. Human characteristics are hard to distinguish, the men shown in a mess of flesh and gas masks.

Otto was deeply affected by the war and he produced this painting almost ten years after it ended. This suggests that he was reliving his experiences and perhaps that he did not want people to forget what had happened.

The fact that he used the triptych composition is a reflection on his views. Grunewald produced paintings of a highly religious nature, and Otto's use of a similar compositon could be perceived as a bitter revolt against religion, posing the question 'Where was God when men lay wounded on the battlefield?'

This is a piece that many people could make a connection with, even now. Despite the hellish concept of war it continues today and anyone who has been a part of that can relate to this piece. As well as this, those with religious uncertaincies may also find themselves drawn to this piece.