week 13 and 14

Video Blog – Week 13 and 14 The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art This video was very interesting and really provided new information that was not covered in the text book. Art historians termed this art influenced by comic books, B-movies, and rock and roll, Pop Art Surrealism. The pioneer of lowbrow was Robert Williams, in 1979. Isabel Samaras gave this media a meaning of its own when she began using television characters as her theme. In the early 1980s Big Daddy Roth brought concept art to painting and he was refused shows in museums in the United States. The Laguna Art Museum was the first to put on a show featuring Lowbrow art. The development of this movement was primarily on the west coast, “free thinkers,” and had a Polynesian influence that was brought to the states by servicemen. Lowbrow has been described as real. It is an movement that is more open to women and was brought to the attention to the world via the Internet. The galleries that feature Lowbrow art are the Tart Gallery in Vancouver, and the Shooting Gallery in San Francisco. Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach This video gave exposure to the Tate Approach used to display exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art. The exhibits are displayed in rooms that each have a theme, such as landscape, still life, history, action, matter/environment, memory, society, within the rooms there are works from different media and eras that display the theme. This allows the visitors to see and compare the works. Each room is self contained and carefully positioned. Bones of Contention: Native American Archaeology It was amazing to learn the number of Native Americans and artifacts that have been unearthed at archeological sites across the United States, and to view the amount of files and boxes. There is tension between scientists, historians, museum curators and Native American groups as to how these should be handles. Scientists have used the skeletons to examine health problems among tribes such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Historians want them to study the development and extinction of different tribes. Museums want them to display stating that they are a part of culture. The Native Americans want them returned so they can remain a part of their heritage and receive proper burial. George Eastman House: Picture Picture Perfect This video outlined the work of George Eastman a visionary in the field of photography. It also gave a vision of the George Eastman House which displays a visual history of photography and his works under one roof. He was the first to develop a user friendly camera. The Brownie camera used by Ansel Adams to photograph the Grand Canyon was developed by Eastman. The Kodak company founded by Eastman was actually named after his mother’s maiden name. Art Curator This video gave a description of the job of an art curator. The job of a curator is to be a bridge between and artist and a viewer and to help prospective buyers understand an artist’s work. Interview: Josh Yiu This was an interview with Josh Yiu who holds the position of Assistant Curator of Chinese Art at the Seattle Art Museum. He described his job as enriching the collection of art through exhibitions. He also shares his knowledge with viewers. He himself is not an artist but would like to be. He is a student of pottery and shared one of his works. Interview with Wayne Baerwaldt Wayne Baerwaldt is the curator at Montreal Biennale. He described how applying themes enhances exhibitions. He stated that it is beneficial to acknowledge other curators and share experiences. Felicity Fenner Felicity Fenner was the curator at the Venice Biennale 2009. She gave a description of the decisions that needed to be made to include works in an exhibit and the marketing needed to have a successful exhibition. Peter Alter Peter Alter is the curator at the Chicago History Museum. He described how he makes decisions on what to bring into the museums and how he labels the works. He stated that he enjoys working with people, getting to know them and learning about their cultures. One of these groups was the lowriders where he actually brought a car in to display in the museum.

week 12 videos

Week 12 Video Blogs Andy Warhol:Images of an Image I have been fascinated with Andy Warhol’s soup cans for as long as I can remember so I decided to watch this video to gain further insight into his work. It added to the knowledge about Warhol and Pop Art that was presented in the text. Several of the things I learned about the artist included: that he really wanted to be a tap dancer, he first worked as a commercial artist when he began experimenting with advertising images that he had a dark side that reflected on plane/car crashes, suicides and electric chairs, and he began mass producing his work to make money. This video explored the production of the work Ten Lizes, a study of Elizabeth Taylor. Warhol was fascinated by celebrities and treated them as commodities. It was interesting to watch the process of silk screening and how prints can be reproduced using varied colors with the same image. It was also interesting to learn that Warhol published a magazine and was an art journalist who covered race riots, the moon landing, and the cultural revolution in China. Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art of the 50s and 60s This video explored six different works of art representative of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. This added depth and understanding to the text in that I gained more insight into Abstract art and I also find it helpful when painting are explained in detail. The first work was Franz Kline’s C+O. It was interesting to note that Kline started as a figurative artist and then became an abstract painter. He strove to evoke emotion in viewers by creating action painting. He considered the process a part of the work and the question of “Where to stop?” lies in when the experiment is complete. Frankenthaler’s Mountain and Sea was unique in that it was painted on cotton cloth and the texture can be seen and becomes a part of the work. Morning:The Springs by Wilhem de Kooig used color to suggest meaning. It was very interesting to view the change in his style from his earlier work, Women One, and to his paintings in which nothing is recognizable. Jasper John’s Flag as well as some his later works were described as defying the logic of art history. I learned that Rauschenberg was actually the father of the Pop Art movement that began in the 20th century and Andy Warhol was actually the son. This is the description of the work The Texan, presented in this video. The notion of combining representation and abstraction was presented in Girl with Hair Ribbon by Lictenstein. The artist’s approach to painting was mechanical and when the viewer looked closely the image was actually lost. Uncertainty: Modernity and Art I chose this video to gain more knowledge in the area of Modern art. It added to the information presented in the text. The basic key concepts presented was that modern art is contemporary society’s version of the Delphi Oracle the wanting to know ourselves, that it communicates chaos, anxiety and uncertainty, art changes as everything changes and reflects what we are. I learned that Hitler actually staged art shows. I also learned that Abstract Expressionists were outcasts because they had attitudes, they were fighting for meaning in a consumer driven society. Pop Art emerged as people looking at their own disillusion and striving to be opposite. It was interesting to see how art is being created in China. It was also revealing to see Watteau’s work and what it had to say: life is sordid, society is corrupt, and art reflects the present. Hockney on Photography I chose this video to learn more about photography as art and because I didn’t remember the name Hockney being mentioned in the text or any of the other videos I watched. I felt this greatly added to the text in the area of photography and gave a great insight to this artist who possessed very diverse talents and interests. He gravitated from drawing, to photography, to using modern technology (fax machine) to theater art. In all his works he endeavored to challenge perspective and encouraged viewers to take a step back, a technique he employed in his work. It was fascinating to see how he created a work using a collage of pictures. He also used this technique, collage, to create cubist pictures. He explained how technology at first hindered his work, because it was costly to developing pictures, to enabling his work as technology reduced the cost of the process. I thought it was genius when some of his photos were destroyed in processing that he used the note from the fotomat explaining their error in the spot where the pictures were to go. It was very interesting to watch his career go back and forth between mediums and especially in photography as he adjusted to the use of different types of cameras.

art gallery 2

I went to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The title of thee exhibition I chose was The Long Curve: 150 Years of Collecting at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. There were various rooms to this collection, some housing paintings and some sculpture, the overall theme was contemporary art. The lighting used was either recessed or track lighting. The walls painted white throughout. I felt the gallery had an open space that was easy to navigate and the stair cases were modern. The upstairs atrium had ionic Greek columns.

The art works were organized by exhibits such as Virocode a disappearance of the source, artists in depth; Arp Miro, Calder or by eras such as the modernist. Some had there own rooms such as the room of contemporary art. The art works were similar in that they reflected the same time period, yet they were different in styles, techniques and media used. Some of the art works were framed with simple black frames other had very fancy ornate heavy gold frames. Some were framed shielded with plexiglass and some of the larger prints were unframed. Each of the art works have a plaque next to it giving the artists name, country, date of birth/death, the media used and in many cases how the piece was acquired by the museum.

Jim Dine American, born 1935 Ten Formal Fingers, 1961 World Relief with oil In looking at this piece of art I see ten long pieces of rounded wood, with curve tops. The tip of each piece of wood is painted red. The artist used straight lines and rounded edges. At first I thought this could be a box of matches, but then I thought it could also be a set of fingers nails or a picket fence.

Giacomo Bella Italian, 1871 or 1874-1958 Dinamismo di un Carve al Guinzaglio (dynamism of a dog on a leash), 1912 Oil on Canvas This piece of a difficult to clearly view because of the sun coming through the skylights and the fact that it was behind plexi glass. The artist used a very limited palette and a variety of brush strokes. Movement was created in that viewing this painting you could almost feel the dog and women moving. I think the artist was trying to convey that maybe time moves on.

Henri de Tourlouse-Lautrec French 1864-1901 Femme retroussant sa chemise (women lighting her chemise), 1901 Oil on wood panel This was framed in a heavy gold frame. The color pallet was very subdued and muted. Different color values were used to create the background. The women stands alone and shows the rounded curves of her body. Some of these curves are reminiscence of the curves seen by Michael Angelo. I think this conveys a women who is confident and there is a since of solitude.

week 11 video blog

Week 11 Video Reviews BLOG 1. Dada and Surrealism I chose this video because the name Dada, meaning no-no, as well as the concept behind Dadaism: bypassing the reasoning process and tapping directly into the unconscious mind, I thought would be interesting. This video explored the work of Kurt Schwitters, who claimed he was not a Dadaist, Hannah Hoch, George Grozsz, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali and ManRay. This video enhanced, built upon and gave visual support to the reading in the text. I feel I now have a better understanding of these art movements and I can say I’m not a fan. I appreciate that they are art but I prefer other styles. One of the first things I learned was that Dada in Russian means yes-yes and in French means hobby horse. The way Kurt Schwitters used objects of all types, and gave them new roles, was interesting. It was fascinating that Hannah Hoch’s piece, Cut with a Kitchen Knife, was so chaotic and it was actually very carefully planned. It was interesting to see her sketches, with people names, that were incorporated into her photomontage. I also found it interesting that George Grosz at times used lavatory graffiti as inspiration. Surrealism removes all elements of storytelling. This definitely added depth to the text in being able to see surrealistic compared to the works on which they were based. This was presented in demonstrating how Miro based his works on postcard images. In the works of Salvador Dali I think it clearly demonstrates that it is helpful to know the background of an artist when attempting to understand his work. Dali’s landscapes were reminiscent of where he grew up. I think what will be most helpful is that in viewing this video, and experiencing the process of analyzing a work, visually, will hopefully help with understanding and analyzing works at the art gallery this week. 2, Matisse and Picasso I decided to watch this video for two reasons, first to learn more about both artists and their works, and second because of the work posted on the lesson page for this week. It is by Picasso, Mother and Child, 1922. It is not a work I would associate with Picasso so I wanted to know more. I was not disappointed; I personally think this is one of the best videos offered so far in this class. It added to the readings and gave a wonderful work into the art and lives of both men. Gertrude Stein was the first to recognize genius in both artists. Matisse was serene, self-indulgent, and a father figure. Whereas Pablo Picasso was an eternal adolescent as well as a fiery primitive. They had a very unique relationship that I found very interesting. They were contemporaries, rivals, opposites and in their strange way friends. They used each other in their game of one up man ship to become better artists and the art world was the beneficiary. It was interesting that their awareness of their differences is what brought them together, and that they studied each other to do the opposite. I also did not know that at the age of 70, Picasso fathered two children. 3. Dance at the Moulin de la Galette I thought it would be interesting to see a video that focused on one work of art. I also felt watching this and viewing it being analyzed would help with this week’s art gallery visit. This video not gave insight into Renoir’s two paintings of, Dance at the Moulin de la Galette, but also gave more depth and understanding into Impressionism. In his work Renoir captured changing light, color and the immediacy of the moment. He used bright, separate colors and a variety of brushwork techniques. In this was it enhanced and added depth to the reading in the text. The first trivia fact I learned is that galette means pastry. It was very interesting to see how Renoir emerged himself and became a part of the subject he intended to paint. To see how everyday people, some important to him, others just villagers were incorporated into a lively scene. I was surprised to learn that some of the people were asked by Renoir to be actual models for the painting. Renoir in his work created an illusionary world of the dance hall. This representation was in contrast to the sinister, dark and somber versions created by Frederico Zandomemeghi, Toulouse-Latrec, Picasso and Van Gogh. One of the things I learned is what can happen when a work is sold and purchased by a collector. Sometimes it then becomes and investment, a commodity, that can be stashed away. I think this is tragic and hope that even though it is conjecture that Renoir’s smaller painting is being enjoyed in a private collection in Switzerland. I also learned that this painting, with himself put into the crowd, became one of Rod Stewart’s album covers. 4. The Impact of Cubism I chose this video to gain a better understanding of cubism. Cubism was influenced by the works of Cezanne and the art of the Iberian Peninsula. It was the most influential style of the early 20th century and offered European artists unfamiliar, non classical ways to represent form and space. The video presented and analyzed the works of Juan Gris, Marcel Duchamp, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Kazimir Malevich and Umberto Boccioni. It demonstrated how these artists used cubism to create their works. Duchamp is presented as an artist who uses this technique but I will always remember him for his piece, the signed urinal, which was one of the beginnings of installation art. I found his work in this video, Sad Young Man on a Train, and Nude on a Staircase, difficult to understand even eith the interpretations provided. The same was true for Malevich’s, An Englishman in Moscow. I found it interesting how Sonia and Robert Delaunay went dancing as a way to present art to the people. I also noted that in the description/analysis of Sonia Delaunay’s work Electric Prisms that they referred to the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. They obviously did not get the memo! This video enhanced the text and presented a deeper insight into the Cubism movement in art. It left me with a clearer understanding of the concepts behind the style but I do not feel confident that if presented with a work that I would be able to fully understand it without cues.

Art Exlporation masks

Art Exploration – Masks – Week 10

Artist: Nuna Peoples, Burkina Faso Title of Work: Hawk Mask Media: Wood, pigment Source: http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~bcr/Bayly/Nunuma_hawk_mask_b.JPG Description: A sculpted bird, with a somewhat scary face. If I did not know it was a mask and was just looking at this picture I could assume that it was just an artistic piece. The title reveals that it is a Hawk mask. Analysis: Lines are used throughout to outline definitive spaces, as well as within the spaces to create repetitive and rhythmic patterns. A limited but contrasting color palette is effective. It is in the shape of a hawk. It is symmetrical and the focal point is the face.

Artist: Unknown, this mask is used by members of Kiduma, a secret society that takes charge of social celebrations in the Congo Republics and Gabon Title of Work: Teke Moon Shaped Mask Media: Colored clay with paint Source: http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/masks/teke.htm Description: This is a circular, moon shaped mask. Analysis: It is a moon shaped with various colors and geometric shapes used to create harmony and balance but it is not symmetrical. The focal point is the middle where have circular lines and various colors and shapes are used to create a face.

Artist: Unknown, Title: this mask is used in ngil magic ceremonies of the Fang people of Gabon Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_traditional_masks Description: This is a mask that has an elongated face that resembles a horse. Analysis: This elongated mask if symmetrical. A darker, thicker, semi-circular line defines the top of the mask. It appears to have some texture in that the space under the eyebrows is hollowed out. There is only one color used.

Sketches

Finished Mask

week 10 video blog

Week 10 Video Blog Review African Art: Legacy of Oppression The reason I chose this video was because of the title I had not read anything about Africa being oppressed. After viewing the video it definitely enhanced the text and added another dimension in my mind about African art. The video focused on Belgium’s Tervuren Museum’s, 250,000 piece, collection of African art. It was interesting and notable to see the variety of masks and understand some of the meanings such as the use of colors on the masks: white means healthy and black means ill. Also the different functions of the masks, some are to scare and some to get over fear. It was interesting that some are meant to protect against enemies, and in some cases that refers to western cultures. It was difficult to view the horrors inflicted on the Congo culture by King Leopold and how many were left dying on the road, whipped, or put in concentration camps in pursuit of the cultivation of rubber. Heaven on Earth: Buddhism I chose this video to learn more about the Buddhist religion. It greatly added to the information provided in the text book. It was very interesting to see videos of the famous Buddhist temples and their architecture. The temples explored were the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, the Great Stupa at Sanchi, India, the largest temple Borobudur Temple in Indonesia and the most interesting fact to me the Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, New York. The key to Buddhism is the teaching of tanha the path to extinguish all desires and all things that feed the ego and obstruct enlightenment.. The temples are built on levels and one must walk clockwise on the path of enlightenment to reach Nirvana, heaven. It was fascinating to view the carvings and learn that each had a lesson to teach. The largest temple the Borobudur Temple is in the shape of a lotus flower, a sacred flower to Buddha. One top of this temple that took 100 years to build are 432 carved Buddhas. The temple in New York is built in the Tang dynasty style and is made of glue and compressed wood. This temple is the home to the largest Buddha statue in the western hemisphere. Another fact I found interesting is that Buddhism flourishes in all Asian countries except India were it was founded. African Art: Its Cultural Meaning I was hoping that this video would give views of a wider range of African art outside of the very popular African mask. I was not disappointed. This video offered a more visual and in depth of everyday art in Africa. In the sub-saharan area of Africa art is a large part of everyday life. It is created in the simplest everyday objects, such as utensils, clothes, ornaments, hairstyles and architecture, and every piece shown was intricate and truly beautiful. An interesting concept I learned is that most of the art from Africa that is on display in museums is less than 200 years old because it was made of mostly wood or straw which deteriorates. Also it gave insight to the bronze casting, use of gold, and chairs made by the Egyptian civilization. It was interesting to view the performance art prevalent in Africa which involves not only masks but also movement, and music. Another key concept was that most of African art is conceptual art which flows from the imagination rather than being based on realism. It was interesting to learn how urban centers are impacting African art and how now many pieces are being made for collectors and decorators. Heaven on Earth: Hinduism Again to add to my knowledge of world religions I chose to watch this video. And again it added to the knowledge provided in the text in terms of the religion and the ability to actually view the artwork that reflects the Hindu religion. The Hindu religion considers Brahma the source of all life and its followers seek to let go of all things. The Ganges river, one of the symbols of Hinduism, is the sight of one of their most sacred rituals, that being the burning of the dead on pyres and the ashes being distributed into the river. An interesting fact is that the devout followers of Hinduism art not allowed to touch dead bodies, a task that is left to outcasts. The basis of the architecture of Hindu temples is that they are small but elaborately decorated in honor of a great many gods and goddesses. The temples explored included: the Mamallapuram, Khajurho, Krishna Mandapam, Panch Rathas, the largest the Dharmaraja Ratha, the Shore Temple recovered from the Bay of Bengal, and the Kandariya Mahadev Temple created during the 9th century which was considered the golden age of Hindu architecture.