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The question to why art is left unfinished is subject to numerous discussions and reasonings. A factor towards it could be the artist personality, this is evident with Da Vinci perfectionism trait in which would see him abandoned pieces to create new works. Likewise characteristics of laziness or pressure can also impact upon the outcome of the work. Meanwhile another contributing factor could be outside stresses, such as time and other demands.
The work also can investigate what we have leant about the artists techniques. This is evident in the way they abandoned a specific area of the work, leaving a ghostly figure to a white outline. The way in which the artists choose particular elements highlights there start techniques when creating. This is shown through parts of there line making, as Del Valga's work which has a graphic outline in pen and ink of the figures. I feel it some sense it allows the viewer to see how the artists work things out directly on canvas.
A Further factor to consider when reflecting on unfinished art is at what point the work is unfinished. The prospects of it appearing finished to the viewer, yet to the artist is also to be given through. An example of this can be portrayed through the work of Monet with his Vase of flowers composition. He was extremely unsatisfied by his inability to express the light falling on the flowers, labelling it unfinished. I really enjoy the way as a viewer the piece reflects a finished state yet behind the artists standards it is not. The topic also sparks the idea of what the notion of an unfinished work consists of and if that has changed over time. From salon critics determining the works to impressionists being criticise for being to sketchy. Whilst Picasso commented to finish a work is to kill it, presenting additions could always be used. The broad consideration of what state the work is classed as unfinished to the viewer, an art historian and even the artist is a significant element of the work and is of key interest to many.
Furthermore, when looking at unfinished work, there is also the prospects of it being purposely or accidently disregarded. This can be through a commission falling through or even the event of death. There are numerous artists in which actively abandoned there works. This gives way to have an X-ray of the painting or sculpture. These works may include artists, Albrecht Durer, whose work was interrupted the outbreak of the plague in 1505. Likewise Bassano's baptism of Christ, was left unfinished in the artists studio due to his death.
Overall the works of unfinished art display a significant part in understanding the artists process and techniques. It also opens up the prospects to why the work was unfinished.
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