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2009-10 June Form A: Part C (Comparative Essay Sample by Mr. Cain Chang)
Perspectives on meaning and on art are as diverse as life itself. In “When Canada Met
Andy,” by Nancy Tousley and “The Soul of Capitalism,” by Robert Collins, each narrative
explores a differing perspective on what constitutes art. In Tousley’s passage, Andy Warhol
believes great art involves making ordinary objects extraordinary and enigmatic, while in
Collins’ passage, Hap believes great art involves portraying objects literally and without
abstraction. Considering the perspectives portrayed by each of these characters, Hap would
likely respond to Warhol’s art with an attitude of confusion and rejection.
In the exposition of “The Soul of Capitalism,” Hap’s attitude towards art is revealed to be
favourable towards Warhol’s early but unsuccessful artwork. Hap is described as not being
“much of a fan of modern or abstract art…[because he believes] it’s not art if he can’t tell what it
is” (Para. 1). From this, the reader can infer that Hap will not favour art that requires
interpretation or art that portrays images in an unconventional way. Warhol’s early artwork and
sculptures present objects such as soup cans so literally that “[Canadian] Customs couldn’t tell a
Warhol box sculpture from…a dutiable commercial product” (Para. 5). According to this quote,
Warhol’s art is very straightforward and requires no interpretation at all since it mimics reality so
well. Because of these characteristics, Hap would appreciate Warhol’s early artwork. However,
Hap’s attitude towards Warhol’s art will change as Warhol transforms his art.
Judging from Hap’s attitude towards “The Soul of Capitalism” sculpture, it can be
inferred that Hap would be unable to understand or appreciate Warhol’s artistic transformation.
Hap’s negative attitude towards “The Soul of Capitalism” is made evident when he “[examines
the sculpture] from all angles but, for the life of him, couldn’t find any perspective that made it
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look like anything else but That Damned Ball of Burned Barbed Wire” (Para. 33). This quote
portrays how Hap is unable to perceive the abstract ideas and messages behind Axel’s
masterpiece, which is meant to express the exploitation and sacrifice of the working class at the
hands of capitalistic greed in society. One example of Warhol’s new style of art involves leaving
a painting of a “Campbell Soup box unfinished as if he realized, half-way through, that genius
lay in imitating a real cardboard carton and pushing the Duchamp readymade into the realm of
Pop Art” (Para. 14). From this example, it is clear that Warhol discovers his true artistic genius
when he allows room for interpretation and imagination in his portraits. Hap would be unable to
appreciate and find meaning in masterpieces such as this because it encourages the viewer to
expand his or her imagination and interpretation of art beyond the literal and obvious.
Hap’s attitude towards art in “The Soul of Capitalism” proves that he will view Warhol’s
art with an attitude of confusion and rejection because Hap is unable to appreciate and accept
abstract ideas. Perception is like a barricade. In order to appreciate and understand reality to
one’s full potential, one must learn to perceive beyond the prison bars of convention.