Barry Moton
Formal Analysis
6 Sept. 2016
Art 281 Jason Judd


"We thought they thought what we thought, but they didn't." (2016) by Rob Swainston
woodblock print on fabric and paper

Viewed at University Galleries Illinois State University Normal, Illinois 6 September 2016
                                                                  
                                                                  But they didn't

     Rob Swainston's print titled But they didn't represents the mood of isolation and seclusion. by using secondary and tertiary earth tone colors in it's strange overall domination of positive space.This print is currently located at the University Galleries in Uptown Normal, Illinois.

• The print is woodblock on paper and can only be viewed from one side displayed on a wall.
• The print is a colorful representation of architecture located in the background.
• The shape of the structure is in distinct contrast of the organic contoured shapes of the same hue that is rendered in a overlapping, distorting fashion to give the affect of swamp foliage.
• The darker hues at the right, top and bottom seemingly creates depth in this print as if it were recessed in the back drop;  However it is released in the left portion of the print.
• Swainston uses the darker hue to create symmetrical lines to aid the viewer in deciphering what the image or images may represent.   
• These implied lines and shapes guides the viewers eyes in a "horseshoe" like motion around the main architectural shape in the center of the print.
• Spacially the viewer can perceive this as a structure peeking out from the roadside looking outside in.

 Swainston implemented color, shape and line in the print "But they didn't" to reinforce the feeling of seclusion.  The symmetrical bold black shapes in the structure is a clear indication that he wanted the viewer to perceive this piece as a form of architecture in a landscape setting.  The green colors throughout the piece seem to dominate the viewers psyche' in convincing them into believing that they are actually in the print possibly walking in a swamp area in Louisiana or Florida.  Through his use of contrasting color at the base of the print he was able to give the illusion of water reflecting off of the landscape.  Whether intentional or unintentional Swainston is able to convey the emotion of a serenity in this print.