CORNELL BASEBALL COLLAGE (description/interpretation of artwork)

The artwork in which is being observing is titled Baseball Collage by Joseph Cornell. As I observed this art piece many elements stuck out in my mind. First, the background image is what may catch one’s eye. Although it is subtle and mysterious there is a pop of color which draws the audience’s eyes into the piece. However, what truly caught my eye were the different sized circles overlaying the backdrop. These five circular objects made me look deeper into the piece.

After taking more time to observe this artwork I could not help to feel as though I was floating in a bubble. This feeling came to me after carefully looking at the different sized circles. Four of these five circular objects appeared to be designed into baseballs. In each of the four baseballs, I quickly noticed that there was a baseball player located in the center. Each of these baseball players seemed to be in a different position. The impression that is given off from this is that the illustrator, Mr. Cornell, had a love for the game of baseball, this impression is also given from the title of the artwork, Baseball Collage.

However, in the biggest of the five circles there seems to be a design much different than the others. This design resembles a sun in which there are many circular figures surrounding. Due to these round figures, one feels as though their eyes must follow them in a circular motion around and around. It seems to be that the illustrator had intentions of having his viewers do so. This could be believed because there seems to be a reoccurrence of the circular patterns in this piece of art which draws in the audience. Overlaying, the fifth circle is a rectangular object, which appears to be a stamp of some sort. This may indicate that the illustrator of this artwork enjoyed writing and sending mail.

There is a lack of color in this imagine. However, this only seems to strengthen the piece more. Due to the lack of color the viewer pays more attention to the baseballs in this piece, rather, than being directed towards bright bold colors. By, the artist doing so it allows freedom for the audience to imagine what they interpret the colors to be.