Exhibition Statement

INTRODUCTION

The desirability of empathy is growing around the nation which prompts individuals to wonder how empathy is formed. The key lies in familial influence. Siblings particularly encourage the progression of empathy in one another. This receptiveness towards new perspectives is significant because it leads to a more accepting and well-informed society. The relationship between siblings is the longest relationship to be held in most people’s lives. Many researchers have recognized that when examining personality, the focus is primarily on home life regarding the parent-child dynamic. However, through portraiture using charcoal mediums, the importance of sibling dynamics on empathy development is explored.

INFLUENCE

The graphic style of portraiture served as the primary influence on the development of this project. This artistic representation of portraits connected to the project’s theme of self-reflection because “the presence of a specific individual in a portrait reminds us of the encounter between the artist and the sitter” (West, 2004). 

LITERATURE REVIEW

The relationship between the quality of sibling relationships and character is most clear in young adults which inspired the age range of the subjects within the portrait. Additionally, empathy can be a gendered quality. During the early adolescent stage of life, girls demonstrate more empathy than boys. This period of biological change introduces gender socialization and societal expectations. For girls, increases in empathy link to the new pressures of presenting themselves as more nurturing (Lam, Solmeyer, & McHale, 2020). Meanwhile, boys depict competitive and adventurous qualities which ultimately deter them from social concern (O'Brien, 2000). This discovery influenced the portrait to make the female subject a larger composition in comparison to the males. The ability for individuals to have empathetic understandings between friends, romantic partners, and other peers creates positive social exchanges (Lam, Solmeyer, & McHale, 2020). Prosocial behavior such as volunteering and sharing benefits a society that struggles with discrimination and self-preservation. This concept highlights the desirability of empathy as it begins to impact others on a large scale. 

SUBJECT

The scholarly source previously mentioned known as “Sibling Relationships and Empathy Across the Transition to Adolescence” addressed the central message of empathy development. This study highlights gender socialization and defines prosocial behavior, which explains the meaning behind placement and sizing within the portrait composition. 

METHODS

To achieve realistic representations of people, various artistic techniques were utilized. Photographs have the ability to capture complex emotions within facial expressions (Palomäki, 2017). This concept contributed to the use of individual headshots. To proportionally and accurately capture the reference images the grid method was implemented since it separates the photographs into smaller increments (Art in Context, 2022). Finally, the chiaroscuro technique gives the depth of the subjects through the use of contrasting black and white. Through light and shadow, a vivid impression is established and encourages feelings of relatably. 

AUDIENCE & IMPACT

The portrait is targeted toward people with siblings since the influence of that familial relationship is more relevant. Even if an audience member doesn’t have a sibling, the portrait can draw their attention based on gender. The goal of this project is to help audiences appreciate their family, reminisce on moments with siblings, and reflect on their growth. Completing this project has provided me the opportunity to become familiar with new mediums and blossom into a more adventurous artist.

REFERENCES

“Drawing with a Grid - How to Use a Grid for Drawing Various Things.” Art in Context, 10 Sept. 2022, https://artincontext.org/drawing-with-a-grid/. 

Lam, Chun Bun, et al. “Sibling Relationships and Empathy across the Transition to Adolescence.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence, vol. 41, no. 12, 2012, pp. 1657–1670., https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-012-9781-8.  

O’Brien, Bridget. “Siblings of Influence.” Penn State University, ​Penn State News, 30 Apr. 2000, https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/siblings-influence/. 

Palomäki, Nelli. “Shared: Exploring Siblinghood Through Portraiture.” LensCulture, 2017, https://www.lensculture.com/articles/nelli-palomaki-shared-exploring-siblinghood-through-portraiture. 

Robinson, Henry Peach. Pictorial Effect in Photography: Being Hints on Composition and Chiaroscuro for Photographers. Piper & Carter, 1869. 

West, Shearer. Portraiture. Oxford University Press, 2004. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS​

I express the sincerest thank you to the Arts Scholars Faculty: Heather Bremenstuhl, Harold Burgess, and Gabrielle Tillenburg for their guidance and encouragement throughout the process of completing this capstone project. I also extend my gratitude to my siblings: Alvaro Mangandi-Sibrian and Brandon Mangandi-Sibrian as participants in the portrait and the source of inspiration behind the research.