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.