Baileys art analysis

John Lennon – “The Honeymoon"
The piece I chose to analyze is a lithograph done by John Lennon. It is called “The Honeymoon” and it is part of his Bag One series which consists of fourteen original lithographs that were given to his wife Yoko Ono as a wedding gift. This edition was limited to 300 examples.
This piece is a lithograph print, which means it was etched onto a plastic or aluminum surface and printed onto a piece of paper using oil and water. When I look at this portrait, my eyes move up and down with the multiple straight lines that Lennon incorporates. The shapes that he uses are primarily rectangular/square and the straight horizontal line – only using circles for Yoko’s belt buckle and John’s glasses. What stands out to me the most is Yoko’s floppy hat with a square for the bucket part and a slightly bent rectangle for the brim. Her hair is all straight lines going in different directions – creating the illusion that the lines are curved. The suitcase and John’s square-shaped upper body also bring out the rectangular qualities of the print. The print is all black.
I would have to say that this print is very symmetrical - the suitcase and John’s slight lean outward balances out Yoko’s heavy looking hair and hat. There is repetition in the types of lines the artist uses with the hair, John’s jacket, and the suitcase. Their legs also show repetition, especially by the knees.
It seems like John and Yoko are sort of “making a run for it” because of Yoko’s obvious intention to hide herself beneath the hat (possible of paparazzi?) and it seems that John is sort of pulling her along in a quick fashion. This print reminds me of something paparazzi-ish because it is of two very famous people doing something ordinary (going on their honeymoon). What makes it interesting is the usage of repetitive lines and rectangular shapes. I would classify this as a portrait/self portrait considering that John Lennon produced it and included himself in it.