A Philosophical Analysis of Gertrude Abercrombie’s Art

This piece will explore the philosophical depth and implications of Gertrude Abercrombie’s work, specifically focusing on the painting in question. The analysis will delve into the nuances of the surrealist technique, interpreting Abercrombie’s creative process and the deeper meanings conveyed through her art.

Introduction

The work of Gertrude Abercrombie, often described as a philosophical examination through visual art, presents a series of intriguing questions that challenge our perceptions and understanding of reality. Through her subtle use of form, light, and shadow, Abercrombie invites viewers to engage in a thought-provoking journey of interpretation.

The Lure of Shadows and Paintings

The painting itself serves as a metaphorical dialogue between reality and its shadow—a concept central to both surrealism and philosophical inquiry. At first glance, the parallelism of the lady with her shadow-double and the cat with its painting-double appears balanced, satisfying the initial intuitive expectations of logic and order. However, upon closer inspection, this balance is disrupted, revealing a deeper layer of unsettling complexity.

The Shadow-Double

Examining the shadow-double, we observe a stark contrast with the original figure. The shadow, being a projection from the third to the two-dimensional plane, inherently lacks detail and complexity. The shadow loses its color, gestures, and visible form, reflecting the fundamental loss that occurs when translating a three-dimensional reality into a two-dimensional representation. Additionally, the shadow's height is altered, further emphasizing the abstraction and distortion inherent in projection.

The Painting-Double

In contrast, the painting of the cat utilizes artistic techniques to preserve and convey information. Elements such as perspective, color, and texture allow the viewer to interpret the scene more easily. Yet, the validity of this interpretation is questionable. The apparent portrait of the cat on the wall is not merely a painting of a living cat, but a representation of a pet that has passed. This subtle distinction underscores the idea that our emotions and experiences fill in the gaps, often leading to misinterpretations or incomplete narratives.

Consider the personal story of the artist's great great aunt with a series of bulldogs named Buster. Each Buster was a replacement for the one that had died before, symbolizing the cyclical nature of loss and the substitution of memory. In Abercrombie’s work, the painting of the cat can be seen as a metaphor for this transition and the emotional burden it carries.

Surrealism and Philosophical Interpretation

The painting’s deeper layers are rooted in surrealism, a movement that challenges traditional notions of reality. Surrealism is not about conveying information or telling a story but rather about presenting juxtapositions that lead to a revolution in our thought processes. This is evident in the way Abercrombie handles the elements of her painting, intentionally creating dissonance and defying conventional expectations.

Surrealism, as Abercrombie embodies in this work, is a pure exploration of the subconscious. It is an attempt to free the viewer from the constraints of rational thought and logic, allowing for a more authentic and profound experience. The failure of the painting as imagery or storytelling allows for a direct engagement with the subconscious, where true complexity and revolution of the mind reside.

The work is not intended to manipulate viewers with specific narratives but to provide a space for individual interpretation and emotional engagement. It is a psychological exercise, inviting the viewer to question their own assumptions and beliefs. This makes Abercrombie’s painting a powerful philosophical tool, designed to provoke thought and evoke emotion rather than simply to convey information.

Conclusion

In summary, Gertrude Abercrombie’s painting serves as a profound examination of the relationship between reality, perception, and the subconscious. By stripping away the layers of conventional representation, she encourages a more intimate and direct engagement with the viewer’s psyche. Through her use of shadow, painting, and subtle philosophical underpinnings, Abercrombie challenges the boundaries of surrealism and invites a deeper, more contemplative engagement with the work itself.

Gertrude Abercrombie’s art is not merely a visual experience but a profound philosophical exploration. It is a testament to the transformative power of surrealism and the enduring relevance of her work in the realm of contemporary art.