Union Jack Boy Soldier , Tristan Schoony Schoonraad, 2010, Britain
Barriera, Matteo Pugliese, 2009, Italy
Ad Astra, Matteo Pugliese, 2009, Italy
The Renunciation, Matteo Pugliese, 2000, Italy
Tension, Matteo Pugliese, 2003, Italy
Boy Soldier Red Grenade, Tristan Schoony Schoonraad 2010, Britain
I chose the male human figure emerging and going into the wall. I chose Schoonraad’s, Boy Soldier, pieces to set a precedence for more political statement to charge Pugliese’s figures. The Boy Soldier’s are haunting and have an almost death quality to them due to their pale color and the way the face is sculpted. The eyes are closed the piece is very static. It is also self framed by the boarder of the piece almost like a coffin.
In contrast Pugliese’s Bronze pieces have life and an elegant movement and fluidity to them. They are have a carved stone quality to them and are in dramatic poses of partial human form. They have a sense of tension and agony to them. It is like they are trying to pull away from what is happening.
This is why I choose three of the figures faceing the wall and one, Barriere, escaping almost. The viewer cannot quite tell if the figure is being pushed back into the wall or if it is getting out of the wall.
I choose the pieces for contrasting materials, styles, and age. When conflict happens, be it domestic home issues or as wide spread and violent as war, children often times go through it in silence. They are completely powerless to escape what is happing to them and the scars stay with them even as they grow older.
I love the use of color, material, and form the two artists use. I think the red grenade is wonderful use of color. Red is a power color and is also loaded with symbolism of blood, love, and hate. Because the form of the child is so simple the red is able to pop. In contrast I enjoyed the way that the bronze was patina in different colors and states. The metal comes across in various stages of warm and cool tones. The works of both artist juxtapose nicely and derive raw emotions in me.
http://www.kwaifunghin.com/artists/Sculptors/MatteoPugliese/biography_eng/
Born in Milan, Italy, in 1969, Matteo Pugliese graduated from Milan University majoring in Modern Literature. During his time at university, he made sculptures and models of film and comic strip characters for his own pleasure. He now lives in Milan. Major Exhibitions include: “Freedom,” Siena (2004); “Die Ontnapping,” The Netherlands (2005); “Sculpture,” Milan (2006); “Extra Moenia,” Cagliari (2007).
http://trendhype.com/union-jack-boy-soldier-by-tristan-schoony-schoonraad/#.T3vTKmGPUrU
British Lifecast Artist Tristan Schoonraad has probably one of the most interesting backstories to an artist that we have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Working in Hollywood in the Special Effects & Make-Up departments from a young age has allowed this man the rare opportunity to work behind the scenes in many incredible movies, such as Rambo, Troy, Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan & Gladiator. His deep knowledge of casting and moulding near perfect creations of humans, monsters & even aliens gives him the perfect springboard with which to launch his newfound career as a Fine Artist. UKAdapta predict that Schoonraad will be a key player in the art world in the next decade and remember; you heard it here first.
joelisaak 
Great Choice of artwork for your post! So erie ,yet compelling to look at! I love how you chose three pieces so similar, yet made from different materiels. The two statues of men are very emotionally moving. They represent struggle and death to me which are subject matters almost everyone can relate too. I agree with your take on the little boy statue. The pale cold statue a little boy in a contained rectangle does remind me off a coffin. It is a sad image especially since the boys eyes are closed and his face so lifeless. Very successful blog post ,so much fun to read.
The requirements for the assignment were met. There were six paintings, and all had the same theme. The organization of the blog could be better. The bio for each artist was included, however it was buried in the bottom. The reactions to a few of the works were good however, some were lacking, and it was not thorough. Other than that it was a very nice blog. I agree that the red grenade is a very striking addition to the sculpture.
Wow! I really enjoy your post. The layout of the images you chose is well done, and the sculptures themselves are really neat. I love the effect of melting in and out of the wall. Pugliese’s figures were more aesthetically appealing, where Schoonraad’s were wonderful yet depressing. I enjoyed the effect Pugliese used in “Ad Astra” where the figure seemed to be interacting with the wall. The meaning you described with Schoonraad’s child pieces is valuable and very true, the unfortunate role children play in this world at times. I agree with your feeling on Schoonraad’s use of the red grenade in “Boy Soldier Red Grenade”. You stated all of the factual information, artist’s name, title in italics, place and dates all post 1975. The short biographies on the artists were thorough enough, and helped give background on the pieces themselves. The theme of your exhibit is clear and consistent. It took me a minute to figure out which title went with which piece. I found that if I put my mouse arrow on the piece the title is revealed, but it would have been nice if the titles were paired with the pictures. Otherwise this post is amazing-great job! Is this the type of work you do as an artist? Are these pieces inspirational to you? thanks.