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Shape and color are the key elements of art that Bearden used in Circe Into Swine.

Using a simple method for looking at works of art we can analyze, offer an interpretation, or create a story for almost any picture that we choose. 

• Let’s Look – list all the things that you see in the picture
  
• Let’s Analyze – consider the way Bearden uses shape and color - how does he represent the people in this painting? Do they look like real people?
  
• Let’s Interpret –based on what you see- what do you think is going on in this picture?

In 1977 Bearden created the “Odysseus Collages,” images based on the story by the Greek writer Homer. Odysseus (oh-DIS-ee-uhs), a hero of the Trojan War traveled for ten years throughout Greece and had many adventures before returning home to his family. On one of his adventures, he meets up with the sorceress Circe (SUR-see) who uses her power to turn people into swine. In this image Bearden utilized flat shapes and a simplification of color to create the architectural structure in the background and the graceful figures of Circe and Odysseus.

• How did Romare Bearden make this picture?
  
• Did he use a process that you can also use?

• What materials would you need?
  
• What kinds of tools?

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