20th C. Painting (theme: human emotions)

We've Done Well by Colin Bootman, 1988.
Bootman uses clean lines and posture to express a feeling of bliss and happiness, after a black couple have made their way through the world.

Describe:

This painting features a black couple hugging in a kitchen with clean, dynamic lines and geometric, complex, and organic lines.

Analyze:

Emphasis: The emphasis in this painting is on the couple's and facial expressions of bliss.
Proportion: This painting is 40% the couple and 60% background objects.
Movement: This painting is dynamic because you can see the wind blowing the curtain.
Balance: this painting is asymmetrical.
Repition: There is no repetition in this painting.
Unity/Variety: The simple objects in the background (plants, can, curtain) add variety and tie it together, as well as the blue of the apron and jeans. The colors of the clothes add visual interest.

Interpret:

I think this painting is depicting a couple that is hugging because they've finally worked their way up to getting a nice house after a lot of hard labor. I think they were persecuted during the segregation and had a hard time making their way in life and they've finally done well, as the title states. This is communicated through their facial expressions and embrace.

Source: www.fineartamerica.com