Seeing this news article got me excited to see that the Royal Academy is still doing well and is thriving. I love to hear about new artists and the stories that inspire their artwork. As an artist as well I make sure to root all of my work into what is currently going on in my life or about my past and how it has made me the person that I am. This specific news article is talking about paintings that are of historical female figures. The figures in this painting are being critiqued even when they call themselves a “princess”. As an artist I see the importance of telling stories through my work. Even though it might be contradictory to what others believe I think it's important for people's stories to be told. Since these artists decided to paint these well known historical figures but to also add a twist to paint a side of them that most people have never seen before. Personally with myself I always felt that there was a side that I kept hidden from other people. I appreciate this artist for bringing to light that people are not always as perfect as they seem. For me it took a long time for me to notice that the things that i was putting myself through were not making me happy anymore and that I needed to focus on my own happiness rather than someone else’s and that it is okay to be selfish sometimes. That is why I decided to not get back with my dear Vincent. Yes, the time that we spent together was immaculate, but he needed to work on himself and reflect on his own decisions before he was ready for a relationship. However I also felt the same way about myself.
Editorial Commentary: This news article is from 1893 and it is describing what is new with the Royal Academy. Mary sees this article and what it is saying resonates with her. During this time women were held to such high standards and these intense standards can cause stress in a young woman’s life. Mary was looked down upon because of her decision to work, her decision to not be married yet, and her decision to not accept handouts. All of which completely go against what society has put as the ideal woman.This specific article about one of the paintings from the Royal Academy is bringing to light the untold stories of these historical women. Most of these women were just there to look pretty and did not really hold any power but this artist decided to give them voices through his art. These historical figures were given backlash for things that they did because they did not go with social norms. The artist wanted to share their sides and why they did what they did and maybe take the villain look away from them. Mary felt this on a deep level because how people saw her even though in her own eyes she was doing no wrong and she was only doing what she saw as best for her and her brother who she was taking care of. Even though Mary did not get into the Royal Academy she still has an appreciation for art and the artists that are at the academy. Even though she moved onto other activities that better suited her like writing, she still has a passion for her first love which was art.
Citation: "THE ROYAL ACADEMY EXHIBITION." The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) 24 June 1893: 4. Web. 18 Nov 2020 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8568708>.