I sort of understand where they’re coming from. In a similar fashion, I can’t stand the kid on the cover of MAD magazine. The best way to describe it is a sense of ancient queasiness but even that doesn’t accurately describe my discomfort, not to mention why. The facial expressions in the OP also give me that vibe, but to a much smaller degree.
*But that vibe is still there, such that I would never hang up a piece by Norman Rockwell anywhere in my home.
Hey, I know exactly what you’re talking about with the Mad Magazine kid. I’ve never liked that character. He’s always struck me as weird in an uncomfortable and creepy way. Like he’s stupid and perverted or something. I can’t really explain it, but I know how it makes me feel.
It’s the uncanny valley effect, isn’t it? Like, almost everything in Rockwell’s paintings is photorealistic but the facial expressions are slightly too caricatural, too exaggerated too be real. Human faces don’t quite work the way he paints them. On one hand, those faces convey an emotion instantly On the other hand, it’s an inauthentic emotion, theatrical, even dumbed-down - all ambiguity removed and subtlety forgotten. The girl is Proud, the woman is Concerned, the principal is Reflecting.
Counterpoint, I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like Norman Rockwell, so I’m interested in hearing their perspective.
I sort of understand where they’re coming from. In a similar fashion, I can’t stand the kid on the cover of MAD magazine. The best way to describe it is a sense of ancient queasiness but even that doesn’t accurately describe my discomfort, not to mention why. The facial expressions in the OP also give me that vibe, but to a much smaller degree.
*But that vibe is still there, such that I would never hang up a piece by Norman Rockwell anywhere in my home.
Hey, I know exactly what you’re talking about with the Mad Magazine kid. I’ve never liked that character. He’s always struck me as weird in an uncomfortable and creepy way. Like he’s stupid and perverted or something. I can’t really explain it, but I know how it makes me feel.
Yes! The Mad Magazine kid has the exact same quality that puts me off of Norman Rockwell’s style.
It’s the uncanny valley effect, isn’t it? Like, almost everything in Rockwell’s paintings is photorealistic but the facial expressions are slightly too caricatural, too exaggerated too be real. Human faces don’t quite work the way he paints them. On one hand, those faces convey an emotion instantly On the other hand, it’s an inauthentic emotion, theatrical, even dumbed-down - all ambiguity removed and subtlety forgotten. The girl is Proud, the woman is Concerned, the principal is Reflecting.