Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash, Research Paper Example

Balla’s Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash shows movement, indicative of the Futurism painters. This painting is colored black and gray. A fast-walking dog is pictured next to his just-as-fast-walking owner; even the leash is moving quickly. Speed is shown with circular brush strokes, particularly in the dog’s and owner’s feet. In the artist’s Street Light, a bright crescent moon shines behind a dark street lamp. White “flakes” of light encircle the light post; oddly, the moon seems to be even brighter than the closer lamp. The light post is so dark that you may not be able to make it out if not for the shimmering light outlining the post.

Balla’s Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash is a witty, light-hearted take on Futuristic art. Most Futurism evokes feelings of worship or channels science fiction themes, while Dynamism is a cute, fun approach to an otherwise serious type of art. Like all Futurism, though, Dynamism exhibits rhythm in nature. In the painting Street Light, Balla shows speed (typical of Futuristic art) by the dotted light flecks; this seems to be the speed of light instead of human movement. Other themes in Futurism are violence and passage of time – The dark, abrasive feel of this work can portray violence, and the moon may be portraying passage of time.

Both works of art utilize the same black and gray coloring. Motion, of course, is shown in both works as well. Other elements of Futurism aren’t reiterated, though – Street Light is much more ominous than the happy-go-lucky dog in Dynamism. Also, motion is shown very differently in both paintings, since the motion in Dynamism is that of a living beings and the motion in Street Light is of actual light.