There are several examples of art masterpieces by legendary artists that have been reproduced creatively in different mediums such as replicas, photographs, illustrations and other media. The remakes not only recreate the historical works of art but give them a new meaning. It is fascinating to see a reinterpretation of the notable works of art in a new medium or from a different perspective. While some of the works are remarkably similar to the originals, the others depart at a point to create an altogether a new meaning. However, the replicas remind one strongly of the original works and their artists.
One of the famous works of art chosen for this essay is “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo, which is one of the frescos on the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City. The artwork was done by Michelangelo and has been recognized as one of the great art treasures of the world. The fresco shows the Biblical Christian God as the old man floating in the air, a cluster of angels without wings, surrounds him and together they look like a cloud floating in the air. The Christian God is reaching out to Adam, who is shown as a nude man and the first human being on earth. The two dominating figures are the nude Adam on the left and God on the right. Another striking point in the artwork is the almost touching forefingers of God and Adam. A powerful God from the sky extends his right hand forcefully towards Adam, who reclines lazily on the ground. Their fingers are barely apart, and their touch is expected to spark life. It is the dynamic energy of the divine that fills the canvas with anticipation (Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam 2015).
There have been several remakes of “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo and used in different ways and for different purposes. The example taken here is of “The Creation of Mario,” which is an illustration by TsaoShin a Deviant Artist ("The Creation of Adam Parodies 2015). The illustration here is much more colorful and bright when compared to the original. This is obvious as the artwork has bene reproduced for a different purpose and a new context, which is a Japanese video game. Still, the artists have placed the two main characters of Michelangelo’s fresco in the same way and positioned them similarly. He has shown the characters of the game in the cloud area that is very similar in shape. Mario is shown in place of Adam, and he is shown in nude, except that he wears his well familiar gloves and hat. He hides his nudity behind a raccoon-morphing leaf. The two main figures in the illustration extend their hands towards each other in the same way as in the original. It is as if Mario is waiting to get reborn for the new game.
Although there is a huge difference between the original and the remake, one can instantly relate the remake to the original. While the subject of the original is a serious one, the illustration is done in a humorous mood. The background and colors are a lot more cheerful, and the cartoony shape of the characters lends a very lighter mood to the artwork. There is no realism in this illustration that has been done to represent a video game. While one can spend hours studying the original, interpreting its meaning, the remake “The Creation of Mario” requires just a few glances to absorb what is going on here. While one can analyze “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo to different meanings, the purpose behind the remake is only one, which is to introduce the video game, its characters, and the fun elements behind.
Needless to say, the famous work of artist will keep getting reproduced and used for commercial purposes. It is common to come across illustrations, videos and photographs of those famous works. However, the recreated works remained one of the original masterpiece, the famous artist and the essence of his work. One look at the replica or remade works, and one can recall the original in an instant.
Works Cited
"Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam." italianrenaissance. 2015. Web. 27 June. 2016.
"The Creation of Adam Parodies." knowyourmeme. 2015. Web. 27 June. 2016.
