week 15 blog

Week 15 Video Review Blog\ Greenberg on Art Criticism: An Interview by T.J. Clark, 1981 In this video Clement Greenberg admits that “writing about visual arts is harder than writing about music. This is because you can write about music formally. He also stated that he has to remind himself to be relevant and that several times he let preferences cloud his articles. He discussed Modern and Abstract art. He also discussed that fact that “good art can come from anywhere.” Through his writings he counts on a cultivated public and hopes the public will respect what they cannot understand. Greenberg referred to Ruskin and Sylvester on the topic of intuition. He stated that they knew the value of judgment, that judgment is intuitive and judgment comes with experience. Greenberg on Pollock: An Interview by T.J. Clark This interview was based on the life and works of the artist Jackson Pollock. Green recalls Pollock’s fiancé telling him in the 1940s that Pollock would be a great pointer. He tells of his own discussions and influence with Pollock move to non-easel painting. He admits that he was wrong and that his works was “high fluting journalism.” Being discontent with cabinet painting Pollock moved to working on unstretched canvas and in doing so moved away orderliness. Greenberg acknowledges that there are all kinds or orderliness and that good art is always orderly. He also stated the only demands on an artist is that there works need to be good. Pollock moved to “drip” painting and in doing so was not accepted by his peer. Greenberg felt that his paintings failed not because of the technique but because they failed to the eye. He shared that artists seek fame and money and that Pollock achieved notoriety. Fame refers to exposure in newspapers and magazines which is related to art critics. An Introduction to the Italian Renaissance (Giorgio Vasari) Giorgio Vasari wrote the “Lives of the Artistis” which is the basis of art criticism. It allowed future generations to learn about the old masters. This video demonstrated that art continually changes. It gave an insight to the works of: Giotto, Ghiberti, Donatello, Paolo Uccello and Masaccio, Pierro della Francesca, Botticelli, da Vinci, Raffaello, and Michelangelo. This video showed how art emerged and changed after the Byzantine era. Most importantly it gave insight into how artists built on the works of their predecessors. The art continually changed and developed. The Critics Stories from Inside Pages Initially I was disappointed that this did not include art critics but when I was done viewing this video I realized that this was probably a good thing because it gave an overview of the role of a critic. Critics get the public to think and off fresh ideas. The critics in this video art passionate about the fields they critic and love their jobs because it changes everyday. The difference between informed a review and criticism was revealed. It was stated that superior professional criticism is when the critic brings experience to the table and makes a persuasive argument. Effective criticism requires logic, emotional support and creativity. Critical thinking, based on the components outlined by Bloom and Krathwohl’s components consists of: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Good critics write with their audience in mind and their works are well written and well constructed. The process of good writing is results from the taking of numerous notes. Elements of superior critics include: the six elements of critical thinking, good writing, the placement of works in historical and social contexts, and the ability to make connections. There is always a danger of mixing reviewing with criticism. The Internet has opened an expansive audience that can be reached by critics. To become a critic one needs: to write, find out if you like it, see if people want to hear what you want to say, know your subject, and have knowledge of the classics. Criticism is not necessarily negative it is based on analyzing, classifying, and looking at the big picture. Colonial Encounter: Views of Non-Western Art and Culture This video demonstrated by reviewing the 1900 World Fair in Paris how Western prejudice, ethnography, and art consumption have counteracted real intercultural dialog. Provided were examples of works created by the colonies in Africa. It did not matter how intricate or worthy the works were not considered art but rather crafts. The difference in the treatment of colonies and the exploitation of its peoples was brought to light. This was reflected in the architecture in the colonies as well as how they were presented at the Fair. Also highlighted was the fact that material culture is tied to the appreciation of descendants. Material culture recognizes formal quality and skill but is devoid of meaning. The Western world views the works through the eyes of Western art but give the works no history or cultural meaning. Jackson Pollock: Michael Fried, T.J. Clark in Conversation The conversation between modernist critic Michael Fried and social historian T.J. Clark took place in from of the work “Lavender Mist” by Jackson Pollock. It was enlightening to see different points of view. They discussed their conflicting reasons as to why Pollock has a place in the history of modern art. There was a discussion of Opticalism, that emerged from Greenberg, was discussed. They discussed their disagreement on the character of “Lavender Mist” and how the historical significance cannot be separated from the pictorial significance.