Student 2

May. 1, 2000

The notion of art as self-expression can be seen through art and music of the Romantic period. To the Romantics the term Romanticism is a sense of mystery in the world. Nature plays a key factor in the art of the Romanticism period. They preferred to paint pictures of landscapes, violent storms, and wild animals. Some Romanticism artists such as Gericault, Friedrich, Constable, and Cole were inspired by the medieval eras of the middle and Far East. They used painterly brushstrokes to capture their views of art along with strong light and shade contrasts. Artists of the Romanticism era used their deep imagination to convey highly emotional works of art. The colors used were deep rich shades.

Along with the paintings of the Romanticism period by artists comes the romantic composers. To these individuals there was no specific type of symphony, poem, or piece of literature. A few composers throughout this era were Beethoven, Brahms, and Lizst. The music by these composers gave a feeling of intensity. To portray this feeling they used irregular rhythms, wide leaps, and dissonance. Nationalism was also seen through pieces of music during this period. For example, Tschailovsky’s 1812 Overture is a very patriotic piece of music for the love of ones nation. The art and music of the Romantics was filled with drama, divinity in nature, and deep emotion.

In Freud’s psychological theory of the self, the self is basically the “ego”. The “ego” is the “middle man”, the one that is always in charge. The “ego” deals with the instinctual things that the “id” delivers. The “id” can be referred to as the devilish side of a person’s brain. The “id” is what you are born with. Its instinctual complex can often times be dangerous or troublesome. The other side is the “super-ego”. This is the morals, values, and conscience of a person. This side conflicts with the “id” in trying to make the right decisions. The “ego”, which again, is the self trying to please both the “id” and the “super-ego”. A defense mechanism for the “ego” is sublimation. This means that you can express thought and feelings with creativity that is socially acceptable.

In Jung’s psychological theory of the self, he talks about the self as being complete, whole, and balanced. He states that as the older we become the more balanced in life we become. This is the theory I most agree with. This theory is the theory I reflected on most in my self-portrait. I used many circles to suggest the balanced structure of my life. To Jung the self is categorized into either an extravert or an introvert. Extroverts share ideas with others before thinking about them first. Introverts take in the world around them, and then they share their ideas. I tend to think before I speak, therefore, I would be considered an introvert.

The literary view of Rilke, on the self, reflects the same ideas of Jung. This view of Rilke can be seen through the journals of the woman in “Faces”. The woman is an introvert trying to become an extrovert. Rilke describes these two terms by using two different faces. To Rilke everyone should be their own self, and be happy with who they are.

In the Asian views of the self or the Hinduism views, the self is the same as the universe. There is no known founder of the Hindus. The Hindus lived in poverty, and they accepted poverty because they believed that if you were born into something that is what you were stuck with, and that is what you had to finish out life with. The Hindu tradition inquires that you are God or as they refer to it Brahman. To them Brahman has always existed and will always exist. They believed that you are born into life with a duty. Once you die if you did not complete your duty, and you still have Karma, you are reincarnated into another life form to finish out your duty. If once again you do not finish out your duty the whole process starts over.

Of the different theories that we studied in class, I only agree with one. Jung’s theory of completeness and balance in life reflects in my own self-portrait. My self-portrait consists of a daisy inside a large circle. The daisy itself is made of tiny circles. The circles represent the idea of wholeness. I feel that my life is very balanced and whole. I always finish what I start, never leaving things incomplete. I used bright colors such as yellow, blue, and green to show that I am energetic, and lively. I am usually always in a good mood, and the bright colors also represent happiness. I used curvy lines to demonstrate that I am flexible and understanding. I can usually get along with anybody. The textures, soft cotton balls and rough Styrofoam, I used in my self portrait contradicts one another. That is because, can I not only be happy but the slightest thing can make me angry. This idea can relate somewhat to the idea of Rilke in terms that everyone has two faces. Finally I chose to make my self-portrait 3-deminsional to show my complex personality.