1. Leonard Meiselman (Post-Colonialism)“Growing up in the shadow of World War II and the Holocaust, I cannot understand how the world is tolerating genocide in Darfur and nuclear weaponry proliferation. These are the subjects I am painting in order to share my loss, confusion and sense of hopelessness and despair.” http://www.artcriesout.com/artist/lmeiselman.html (Structuralism)- From my journal. Iwould categorize this painting as painterly (vs linear) in structure. Notice the emphasis on steps of light and dark and the sense of moment in this painting. The image is not timeless, but a moment in time. The artist invites the viewer to fill in the blanks. The painting is also an example of recession (vs plane). The angles of the shadows and the figure lead the viewer into the background ominous shape. Nothing is parallel, or square. Also, the structure of this painting could be characterized as unity (vs multiplicity). It is broad and with visible paint strokes. To make a visual connection, it needs to be viewed mostly as a whole. Few parts of this painting could stand alone.

2. Elegy, 2005Death DriveIn suggesting that human beings have a death drive, Freud’s attempt was to account for the alarming degree of self-destructive behavior he saw both in individuals, who seemed bent on destroying themselves psychologically if not physically, and in whole nations, whose constant wars and internal conflicts could be viewed as little other than a form of mass suicide. (From the text)

3. Angel 2007 Aesthetics and Politics- (From my journal) Ifart is inspired by the political climate of a society, which is how I interpret the reading and discussion…then I can see how Meiselman’s paintings “echo life”. This was one of the ideas bounced around during the discussion last night. Although the idea of politics and aesthetics coming together is confusing…perhaps it boils down to the idea that depending on who you are, (your class or place in society), this would determine your reaction to a LeanoardMeiselman painting.