Formal Analysis: Leo Rojas

The Lucas/Rug by Chuck Close is located on the wall next to the Recital Halls near the entrance of Bucksbaum. It is a sheet made of silk and linen wrap. It is clear to see the image of a man at the center of the sheet composed of many different color brush strokes. The multitude of brush strokes also gives the piece a feeling of an image being rasturbated, which is a technique that renders an image using only dots(although it is surely not related since this artwork was made in 1993). It is more obvious to deduce that the image is of a man and not of a woman due to the subtle touches used to imply a mustache and a beard. The artist also uses light colors at the center to imply old age. Close uses color contrast to emphasize the solitude of the man with the dark-blue ambiance as the background. It appears as though circular rings pulsate out from the center of the image. This distortion gives the impression that the man is staring into a pool of water after dropping a pebble at the center of his face causing ripples. The dark-blue color scheme around the image also adds to the effect of the presence of water. As a result of this, it gives the image a sense of motion as if you are staring into the water with him.  I believe this image attempts to convey a sense of reflection, not only from the water, but a reflection of one’s self as the man stares directly at you.  Another consideration for this artwork is that it causes you to stare directly at the center of the image, while the ripples cause you to look outward as if you are creating the movement in the water.