1. Painting Analysis: Write a paragraph description of the selected artwork. Write a paragraph that outlines “charged issues” or “big ideas” expressed by the artwork.
La Meninas (“The Maids of Honor”) is a 1656 oil painting by Diego Velazquez, and is a very enigmatic and complex piece of work. Beyond its social context and history, the painting plays with the concept of reality verses illusion, with Velazquez standing in the back, portraying himself working on a large canvas. The piece is not “posed,” but more of a “snapchat,” as it captures a particular candid moment where people are either interacting amongst themselves, or looking outwards towards the viewer. In the background is the monarchs of the royal family, whose upper bodies are in the mirror. They, like Velazquez, seem to be placed outside of the pictorial space. It is also theorized that the image of the King and Queen is actually a reflection from Velaquez’ painting. The painting portrays Doña Margarita María of Austria (also known as: The Infanta Margaret Theresa), who is the central focal point, and surrounding her are her two maids of honor, bodyguard, two dwarfs, and a dog – along with Velazquez and the King and Queen in the back. What is interesting about the painting, as stated before, is that it has been speculated to be painted from a mirror, which is obscured from the viewer.
2. Set a Goal For Reinterpretation: What changes will your group make to the meaning of the original artwork? What new ideas will your reinterpretation present? Write a paragraph to describe.
3. Identify a Material Method: How will your group create the final work? Will you make a garment and take a photo with a model? Will you construct an installation and photograph? Will you make a
photoshop collage? Search for 5 examples of works made by other artists or photographers using this method. Post the examples.
4. Prototype: Make a test piece using your method, or sketch out multiple ideas. Post the prototype or sketches.
6. Make a Group Plan: What skills do your group members have that will be useful to the project? How will you divide tasks and work together. Post a timeline and task list.
