Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Chaplin - Modern Times


This is my entry for The Three Muses challenge this week - the theme being Charlie Chaplin. About 35 years ago - just after college my husband and I went to a Chaplin film festival at UC Berkeley ( a tye-dyed and long haired pair!) , and one of the films that really hit me was "Modern Times " made in 1936. It was Chaplin's last "silent" film - despite (talkies) already in full force and it became his social commentary on the ill effects of machination in modern society- (the silent film being a bit of a hold-back to the more modern films with sound). Giant cogwheels and a tiny Charlie represented what he believed to be a scarry -yet funny prospective future! This is a digital collage I made that sort of represents the old and the new in respect to the sentiments the film left me with. An ominous machine in the foreground and a smaller/shadow of Charlie behind. I added a fibre/coffee-stained look to this piece for a bit of ageing.

17 comments:

  1. You've captured the mood of that movie so well...and in a thing of beauty...

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  2. Well, i hope that every one will enlarge your digital piece Lori. It is more than worth !!
    Nice to read your personal memories about Charlie !
    And a big BRAVOOOO for your amazing entrie.

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  3. Wow, this is wonderful .
    Composition and colors are fantastic and depicts this film perfectly.

    Louise

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  4. Lori, this is amazing work and a wonderful tribute piece too. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful memories! Hugs, Terri

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  5. Lori - your work is always stunning but I have to say this one is special. I love the way you have illustrated the idea of his movie. "Modern Times". I love the colour and the texture and the message. Fantastic. I also enjoyed your story of your visit to the Charlie Chaplin film festival.
    Someone gave me a Chaplin movie collection on DVD and it has been sitting there for months. I think I am inspired to spend some time reminiscing.

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  6. I have recently been discussing with Marie and Bev the merits of telling the 'story' behind a piece of art, and here you go demonstrating how special a piece of art becomes when you do just that. This, then, is a very special piece, full of colour and texture, and memories. Lori you deserve applause, and you shall have them.

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  7. Excellent entry! And more comments to come-- after working hours!

    Take care,

    Juli

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  8. That would be so cool to go to a film festival!! great artwork and tea technique

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  9. Great tribute to a great movie and a great man! Lori, your artwork is awesome, I love all the details and colours, and especially the fabric-like texture. Fine piece!

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  10. just LOVE it!!! fantastic piece!!!

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  11. I love your creation, Lori. It`s exquisite. Wonderful work.

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  12. Great interpretation of the movie, Lori, superb art!

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  13. Lori- I love the imagery you have used here, how artfully done, the coloring, and the Jokerman font (quiet insight). Wish I could have seen you both in your tie-dye attire! Christen

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  14. This is stunning and fantastic, Lori! Somehow I missed your entry when I went through them on Three Muses. This is incredible.

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