Materiality and Illusion Brings One Back to History

Abstract: Taking a deeper look into Dorothea Tanning’s painting Insomnias by investigating the use of medium as a physical entity applied to the canvas, that create illusions. The materiality is brought into focus do it its diverse range in techniques as well as the use of the medium’s viscosity, creating effects only achieved thought experiments. The painting lends itself to the discussion on how the formal aspects create depth as well as the viewer’s ability to interpret these forms. Formal analysis brings one closer to art history in creating connections to other art movements due to its similarities. Tanning’s painting does not fit into one category, but is influenced by many areas including; renaissance and baroque painting, landscape painting, Cubism, as well as Abstract Expressionism. These influences are supported by the how each style has used the paint medium in order to convey illusion.