Running head: ​RHETORICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF AMANDA ADKINS’ ​ UNTITLED

Rhetorical Interpretations of Amanda Adkins’ ​Untitled

Isabella Martillaro

February 15, 2019

Arizona State University

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Abstract

The following is a Visual Analysis I have written for my English 102 class at Arizona State

University. This Visual Analysis focuses on the deeper meaning of an untitled mural by Amanda

Adkins, located on 2216 North 16th Street. For this assignment, we were instructed to walk

around downtown Phoenix to find a mural which we found captivating and worthy of evaluating.

The purpose of this analysis is to interpret and identify the rhetorical elements within this mural.

Keywords: ​Rhetoric, Visual Analysis, Mural, Arizona State University

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On the west facing wall at Westwind studios on 16th Street just south of Oak Street is a

truly striking mural by Amanda Adkins. This piece is not a very popular attraction in the

downtown scene because it is difficult to view from the street. In order to achieve a full view of

this piece one has to be walking directly by it. This mural is untitled and there is no explanation

from the artist, allowing the art to speak for itself and for the viewer to formulate their own

interpretation of the artist’s rhetorical intentions. However, even those without a knack for

rhetoric can recognize the overwhelming beauty and charming nature of this piece. Adkins

manages to merge human form with natural elements, leaving her work with the capacity to alter

viewers’ interpretations and emotional responses.

Depicted in the very center of the piece is a beautiful young woman in a short white dress

reaching out to a bird flying above her. She is surrounded by a vibrant purple tone that fades into

an intense teal color that covers the entire background of the mural. The choice of color palette

for the backdrop creates a calming presence to the piece, however, the vibrant hue of the teal and

purple makes the piece vibrant and impossible to miss. This combination allows the illustration

to have a sense of peacefulness as well as boistress all at the same time. There is also light green

accents in the birds and cactuses, which add flair and interest and make all the difference in the

balance of the piece. Without them, the overwhelming use of cool tones would create a sense of

despair to the art, however, the small touches of light green alter the tone to a more positive

portrayal.

The most obvious rhetorical element within this piece is Adkins’ use of pathos. The

woman in the center is wearing a white dress, which is archetypally associated with youthfulness
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and innocence. Her dress is being unraveled by the bird and because of this, the dress is

becoming shorter. One way to interpret this imagery is that the woman is having her innocence

and purity stolen by a force that is evil or envious. She is walking barefoot over sharp rocks,

signifying punishment or pain, as well as holding her dress down as if to protect herself, which

allows the viewer to have a sense of empathy towards the woman. This could leave viewers

upset, however, the use of vibrant colors allow it to tell a different story. These colors could

provide for an alternate interpretation. Therefore, the mural could represent the process of

coming of age or evolving as a person. The woman has long dark hair that is flowing in the wind,

and she is not depicted as distraught from the bird’s actions, so this gives the piece tranquility

and a sense that the woman is empowered. Although it can seem as if she is facing difficulties,

her amicable presence illustrates content and positivity.

This mural was painted on the side of building with rundown bricks, broken windows,

and ugly monstrous billboards towering above it. The surrounding landscape of the mural is

composed of rocks, dirt and boringly colored buildings, making it impossible to miss the

brilliantly colorful mural covering the second half of the wall. This is important because it does

not allow itself to be overlooked in the midst of what most people would find hideous or

unworthy of attention. The mural is quite literally a diamond in the rough of this harsher location

within the downtown phoenix area. Not only is it thought provoking but it also represents hope

for the growth of the most rapidly developing city in the United States. This is where Amanda

Adkins’ work really shines as she brings light to areas that are in need of illumination.

This experience has lead to me to have a better understanding of visual art and that art

can be interpreted in various ways, hence why it is so universally sought out by the public.
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Adkins’ work in this particular painting is overwhelmingly inspiring and the context behind the

art is even more captivating. She tells a story through her use of pathos as well her color choices

throughout the painting. I have come to realize that creativity is a beautiful way in which to

express a multitude of emotions, ideas, and rhetorical appeals. What appears to be merely an

appealing painting is in actuality a means of inspiring empathy and growth.

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References

Amanda Adkins. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2019, from

https://www.downtowntempe.com/explore/she-tempe/amanda-adkins

Art History 101: How to Look at an Artwork. (2016, August 14). Retrieved February 15,

2019, from

http://www.howtotalkaboutarthistory.com/art-history-101/art-history-101-look-artw

ork/

Saria, L. (2019, January 21). Amanda Adkins' Mural at the Black Theatre Troupe Center

for the Performing Arts. Retrieved February 15, 2019, from

https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/amanda-adkins-mural-at-the-black-theatre-t

roupe-center-for-the-performing-arts-6580410