Critique #1- Bob Marley Work

I have chosen this work, which has no name, nor does not have the name of the artist, as my first critique for my Art Appreciation class.  The work depicts several images of Jamaican singer, songwriter, musician, and guitarist Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley. I found this work at the Tennessee State University art gallery. I chose this work due to the fact that Bob Marley has become a very influential figure in pop culture since his death in 1981. Also, his music and beliefs has played a part in my moral values. 

The work depicts various images of Marley, some printed and some actually painted,  and possible magazine or article clippings of aspects related to Marley's life, such as his wife, Rita Marley. Other items included a clipping saying "Legalize It." This referred to Marley's support in the legalization of cannabis. Other clippings include words such as "legend" and "rasta-vibes." Overall, the work is surrounded by the Pan-African colors, consisting of red, yellow, and green, referencing to Marley's belief. 

The artist puts these words in this work for a reason. They want the viewer, after fully observing the work, to have a certain view of Marley, possibly the same view that he or she has. Seeing the actual images of Marley gives away who these words are about. Other than that, words I mentioned earlier such as "legend" and "king of reggae" are supposed to be words that the viewer doesn't pay attention to at first, due to their small font, but the longer that they view the work, they start to apply those words to the images to Marley. By the end of viewing the work, the viewer should have a positive look on Marley and his legacy.

I feel personally connected to this work because of the several Jamaican and Pan-African family members I have. While Marley is not their only role model, he has played a major role in most of my family's life. Since the closest people to me, my mother and brother, are also Marley fans, I grew up listening to many of his songs and hearing his quotes and beliefs. Now, I never pass up an opportunity to discuss him if I can. Especially since I've started college, when I look or listen to Bob Marley, I feel more at home. The artist has done a good job of using small words to influence the viewer's opinion about this work.