"American Gothic"

When first given the assignment to do a reading of "American Gothic", I was completely clueless about what print that was. I had several images and themes in my head of what I was predicting this print to look like. One major theme I was expecting was the color black. I had in my head an image that was dark and mysterious. Most all of my preconceived notions were a reflection of the word "gothic" not "American". My best guess of why I choice to over look the word American and focus on gothic is because it is a word that I don't hear of much.

After finding the picture on the internet I couldn't help but laugh. I was expecting a print completely new to me. Instead I was surprised to find a print I have seen more times than I can remember. However, not only had I since this particular print before but several recreations. After several humorous pictures flashed in my mind, I paused to looked at the original picture.

For the first time I really looked at the picture and nothing funny or satirical came to mind. Also the word gothic no longer painted of dark and mysterious picture in my mind. This time all I saw was reality. I believe Grant Wood was using this print to speak to people. The expressions on the faces are full of stories and life. I believe the major reason this picture has been reproduced so frequently is because everyone can see a little bit of themselves in the picture. Now instead of looking at this print and thinking of all the funny reproductions, I see reality.