Reflections of AED 200

I expected to learn how to better use the technology I already had. I think that I have accomplished that because I am much more proficient on my computer. I can document and share information better than I could before. I think that art is anything that can be looked at almost. There is some kind of design or beauty everywhere.Originally, I was a fan of fashion and I still am, but I have definitely found some painters and sculptors that are really profound, such as Michelangelo. I think that this class was a lot of work online, much more than I ever expected.

Art Criticism

I chose to review the project curated by Lindsay Krug entitled Expression Through Nude Painting. I chose this project because it was similar to my project, with the essence of portraying nude art. It differed from my project because it only focused on paintings, where I used many different mediums in my collection. I found it very easy to write the critique using the guidelines that were provided. It was interesting to see other projects and the different themes that people chose. As for the one I chose, the theme was similar to mine as I mentioned before, so it was interesting to see what pieces that she picked. There were many that I had seen when I was searching for images and even more that I had not. I would like to see feedback from my project because it was such a bold theme. There were some really beautiful works as well. I think I would rate my article at a 9, because it discussed the dominant details of the entire collection and a good overview of the paintings. I enjoyed reviewing the collections that the class had made.

Self Portrait

Photo of myself

Inspirations

Chuck Close. Self-Portrait, 2004-05. Oil on canvas, 102 x 86 inches (259.1 x 218.4 cm).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ken Heyman . Andy Warhol with Self-Portraits, 1964.
Silver gelatin print, 16 x 20" (40.6 x 50.8 cm.).

 

 

Frida Kahlo. Self-Portrait with Monkey, 1938.  Oil on Masonite
16 x 12 inches (40.6 x 30.5 cm)

My Self Portrait

Kimberly Colucci. Myself, 2011. Oil on Canvas, 11x8 inches.

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces? I chose these three pieces because each artist played a different angle pertaining to self portraits.
2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait? I have the most experience with oil paint and used this assignment to try it again.
3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them? It was hard to make the shape of my face right so that it actually resembled my face. I had to paint over it many times.
4. How does this piece represent you? My face reflects gentleness and an unstressed state, which is how I feel I have come to be. It represents a change in myself to a more harmonious person.
5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work? I used value with different grays and blacks.The use of proportion is also demonstrated in the closeness of the face.
6. Did you enjoy working on this project? Yes, it was interesting creating this self portrait.
7. What do you think of your final artwork? I think it was very successful and I'm proud of it. I think it is a very good reflection of my spirit.

Video review

Jackson Pollock: Michael Fried and T. J. Clark in Conversation
     This video is a long discussion that two art critics have about the works of  Jackson Pollock. They discuss two of the works, Lavender Mist and Autumn Rhythm. The two critics have been known to have differences of opinions and try to make some commonalities between each other. Each critic emphasizes different points about the works. This relates to our project in the sense that there can be very different objective reactions to art that can even seem to be subjective. Each of these critics would describe works in a collection differently.


 The Colonial Encounter: Views of Non-Western Art and Culture
     This video discusses the World Fair of 1900. It lasted for 8 months and had over 50 million visitors. They examine the artwork of the Dahome, a civilization of the French West Africa. This art was often overlooked and viewed as barbaric. They introduce many African, Algerian, and Indigenous pieces that were on display at the world fair, as well as discuss key facts about their culture that have shaped their existence in the art world.

The Critics: Stories from the Inside Pages

    This video discusses the trivial platform of critics and what affect that they have on the mass media. They question whether critics are effective and what they force artists on all levels to examine. Many critics discuss what they base their material on and objectives that arise. They categorize criticism as an art, in the sense that the opinions of critics can shape and change what artists produce. Critics are a major part of the art world and have played a big part in the evolution of art. Being a critic was our assignment and this video just discusses that act on a much larger scale in many different industries. It adds understanding to why criticism is positive and necessary in the evolution of all media outlets.

An Introduction to the Italian Renaissance 

     This video gives an overview of many important Italian artists that were popular during the times of the Renaissance. Donatello, Giotti, Ghiberti,  Paolo Uccello, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Masaccio Botticelli, Piero della Francesca were all discussed in the film. There was an Italian artist and historian, named  Giorgio Vasari, who wrote a book about the lives of all of these artists. These artists contributed a lot to the art world at the time and still do today. The video reviewed many of their historical pieces that were popularized. The video discusses the work of a past art critic, and shows the nature of art criticism, relating to the nature of our project.

 

Greenberg on Pollock: An Interview by T. J. Clark

   This video also discusses the painter Jackson Pollock and his unique perspective on the art of painting. He did not like canvases because he felt that they took away from the creativity of painting by isolating the work. He wished to do away with easel paintings altogether, but all of his paintings remained easel paintings. He intended to make murals of them. The video goes into detail about his nontraditional views about painting. This video demonstrates the work of art critics and their feedback pertaining to the artist being discussed. They have up close and personal relationships with the artist, adding more credibility and interest to their accounts of the work and methods. This relates to our project because they are doing the job of being an art critic and it shows how a popular artist is reviewed among big people in the art world.

Greenberg on Art Criticism: An Interview by T. J. Clark
     As in the past video, art critic Greenberg discusses popular art from the past half century with T.J. Clark. They question how to correctly analyze and criticize art. They also converse about the most popular movement in the art world over this time period, which they decide is abstract art. They talk about political factors that have influenced art movements such as abstract art.  They also debate on the structure of art criticism and what holds value in this arena. Discussing so many different variables that affect art criticism is what connects the video to the project. It exemplifies the insight and intuition that art critics must bring to the table.

Project 4

For this project, I started off by exploring art data bases and web sites to brainstorm for a theme. The theme of the human body caught my attention because so many artists use it as the main focus of their work. For centuries, there have been images of ideal forms, people who are beautiful in every way. I wanted to bring some of these pieces together to show how perfection is perceived. I gathered pictures from ARTstor and inspirations from class that fit this theme.

Video Review

The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art
The video is derived of many art curators discussing the culture of Lowbrow art. Lowbrow art is art that was made popular in the 1960's on the underground scene. This art reflects street, punk and comic styles, and often utilizes famous people as well. These curators are discussing their subjective along with objective opinions about art of this style. They also discuss where this style stands in the art world and how artists involved in this movement have tried to make it mainstream. The art world was not very accepting to this style because it supported a culture that was not perceived well in society. They were looked at as hippies and druggies that society was wishing away. However, Lowbrow art was enjoyed by many and survived. This video relates to project #4 because it is a long discussion of an art style and many different art themes. The artists discuss a lot of personal opinions and inspirations as well as objective interpretations. It was interesting to hear about a popular style that was mainly underground and spread due to many low circuit artists. It enriched the understanding of art curator culture by providing examples of these people in action, discussing art that they know so well. 


Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach
This video discusses the Tate gallery, the most popular gallery with modern artwork. The span of work starts in the 1900's and continues through present day. This museum is set up chronologically and the exhibits are separated by artist or theme. This suggests that art was created in response to or because of prior works. The different art themes and exhibitions are discussed as well as the art curators that set them up and the challenges that they faced. The reasoning behind the categorization of the art exhibits are revealed. There were many critics for the exhibits as well, breaking down the methods the art curators used.  This relates to our project because it discusses art curators of a famous museum who are completing the large scale task that the project is meant to shadow. It provides examples of categorizing art by theme, and what criticisms circle. It deepens the understanding of the task of art curators and what challenges they face. 

Bones of Contention: Native American Archaeology

This video discusses the sacred archeological remains of Native Americans and the debate of their ownership. The Native American society is fighting archeologists to leave the remains of their ancestors in their respective burial sites.  The problem lies within the difference of opinions between scientists and art curators in contrast with the Native American culture.  It is important to their culture to leave the remains as they were buried, but the scientific and art communities seek to put these artifacts in museums and as subjects of study. This is a theme that art curators also seek to represent in art galleries. It relates to the project in this way, discussing the political issues that galleries face in gathering artwork for exhibits.

George Eastman House: Picture Perfect

The George Eastman House is an establishment in Rochester, New York that holds thousands of photos, films and machines that started the world of film. The house is a museum that shows how the world of photography came to be. It leads the viewer on the journey of photography. It is also a showcase of unique photography art.  The house was that of the the creator of the Kodak camera, the father of photography, George Eastman. The curators discuss the artwork that the museum is famous for.  This relates to our project, by giving insight to the curators that run the establishment and hold the knowledge of the works in the exhibit.

Video Review

Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the '50s and '60s
I chose this film because I like the style of abstract expressionism and was interested in learning more about the style. The video discusses why there was a shift from abstract expressionism to pop art and the many artists that were part of both influences. Abstract expressionism consumed artists such as Franz Kline, Helen Frankenthaler, Willem De Koonig, and  Jasper Johns. This style was eventually rejected and Pop art became the new sensation in the 1960's. Andy Warhol is the most famous artist of this movement and also lead the way. Not long after Robert Rauschenber hits the scene, competing with Warhol. Lichtenstein is another famous artist of the era. All of these artists are described in the text as well, just in less detail. This video gives a more in depth understanding of the roles that these artists had in the change from expressionism to pop art and what factors influenced it.

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image
This video caught my attention because Andy Warhol is such a famous artist whose art has been admired for decades. I specifically like his many Marilyn Monroe portraits that have been so influential in keeping her status alive long after her death. The video discusses the artistic rising of Warhol in his path to fame. He was infatuated with Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe and found that he could make a fancy fortune off of the work. He began creating silk screen pieces as well that could be reproduced over and over. He creates portraits of his friends and himself as well and even want on to make many, many films. His works have many political themes as well. Warhol is discussed in the text as well, but the video describes his business ambition more so. 


The Art of Henry Moore
I selected this video because I have heard about Henry Moore before and wanted to reconnect with his artwork. The text does not discuss this artist. The film goes on to discuss his early life and how he was inspired by art at a young age and he followed his dream to art school. Moore became invested in sculpture with many differing themes such as mother and child, abstraction, beauty, the human body, war, religion and many more. later in his career he paid attention to drawing as well. Many of his sculptures are discussed in the film as well. His sculptures are not only one piece, but two and three pieces as well. 

Uncertainty: Modernity and Art
This video breaks down the difference in modern art from earlier generations of art. It categorizes modern art as being uncertain, reflecting the changing times that the industrial revolution brought about. Modern art is widespread in genre, to respond to the many different lifestyles made possible by technological advances of the 20th century. Political groups such as the Nazi regime rejected this style of art because it was not ideal and lacked certainty. Abstraction was very popular in this generation, starting with the influence of Picasso. The video discusses other important artists of the movement, Paul Klee, Piet Mondrian, Jackson Pollock, William De Kooning and Mark Rothko. Materialism is a strong influencer of modern art that is still strong today. Pop art is a style that leaves people in awe and one of it's leaders, Andy Warhol, is a big part of the phenomenon. As I mentioned, many of these artists are also described in the text. However, the film discussed a lot of the political influence that these artists had and how modern art was shaped by major events of the 20th century.

Art Gallery Visit: 2

Gallery Visit 2

Orlando Museum of Art

The Exhibition

 
The title of the Exhibition is XX-XY/Gender Representation in Art. The pieces in this exhibition are feminine in nature, themed around representing women in unique ways. Some represent the female figure, others female clothing.

The Gallery

The gallery is decorated with white walls and wood panel flooring.  The lighting is focused on each piece of artwork, giving emphasis to the pieces. There is also some faint recessed lighting in the ceiling. The gallery is basically one giant room with small cutout like walls dividing the room and providing spaces to display artwork. The gallery has a clean cut, modern feeling about it. It is a wide open space allowing the viewer to navigate around in from many different points in a rectangular setting.


The Artworks

The artwork is mainly arranged in squared areas for the viewer to examine at each time. Each exhibition has its own squared area. Some pieces are displayed in the middle of the floor on stands, others are posted on the walls or the dividers. The pieces are a good distance apart of maybe 10 feet. Each piece is labeled with a small index card sized inscription somewhere on the wall or on the display stand beneath the sculptures. The artwork of this exhibition is all representational of the female body. Some of the pieces are a realistic representation, others are nonrepresentational. A few of the pieces are female figures missing critical body parts, such as a head or torso. Others portray the entire face and body. 

Art Criticism

 This sculpture was done by Lesley Dill. It is called  Dada Poem Wedding Dress, and was made in  1994. The artist used acrylic and thread on paper on a mannequin. It stands as 64 x 60 x 70 in. This dress is a style from centuries before that would have been worn formally. The dress is displayed on a mannequin as if it had just made or altered for an occasion. This surrealist style dress has a paper like appearance and has fragments of words done different sizes and styles of black font. Over the left breast, there is a hole that looks as if it were a gunshot wound in which the dress bled blue ink. The contrasting colors of the white and black add emphasis to the words on the dress. There are a variety of letters and fonts used, but together they create unity in the composition. The form itself is important as well. The 'fabric' of the dress reminds me of used newspapers, or even collage style ransom notes. The dress itself has an eerie feeling about it and sense of mystery. Interpretation: It can be concluded from the title that the fragments of words on the dress as pieces to a poem. However, we do not know what the poem is or what it's about. You can try to look at it from all sides and you don't find a complete word that can hint at the meaning. We can only get a sense of the meaning through looking at the dress itself. The dress looks as if it could be an old bridal gown, possibly. It has a mysterious presence that creates interest. The term 'Dada' in the title relates to the surrealism of the piece. Surrealism is created in the odd paper style of clothing and strange patterning of letters, along with the 'gunshot hole'.

This piece is done by Andy Warhol in 1967, entitled  Marilyn Monroe. It was created on screenprint on paper and is an edition of 250, sized at 36 x 36 in. This work is representational of the sex icon on the time, Marilyn Monroe of course. This facial portrait of the model is done in a cartoon style. Pink emphasizes her key famous facial figures, the lips, eyes and beauty mark. Her skin is done in an unnatural light shade of pink. The coloring is similar to expressionism styling. The piece comes together with color, form, emphasis, value and balance as the main elements and principles used. The dark shadowing of value creates the form of her face and her features are balanced by the shading. Interpretation: This work is a recreation of the sex icon Marilyn Monroe, who has been worshiped for decades for her exquisite beauty. Warhol captured her amazing features in this up close portrait. He up played her sexy features, creating more interest in the piece. The pink coloring is supportive in representing her feminine beauty.

This pieces is titled Inch by Inch, by Edward Ruscha, an American artist, and was done between 1987-1988. It is made of  acrylic paint on canvas at 36 x 36 in. This nonrepresentational form is the silhouette of a woman in a 19th century style dress. She is displayed on the canvas as if she is merely floating, with her arms in a presenting position close to her chest. The modified figure is done in an illuminating shade of white, as if she were glowing, with an orb of light beaming around her. It makes the figure seem as tho it is a spirit of some sort or divine being that is not mortal. During the 80's, artists were making a lot of color contrasting pieces, as seen here. The contrast of the white figure on the black background creates emphasis. The focus is on the form of the figure, rather shape since its two dimensional. The floating affect provides movement as well. This piece is iconic of a ghostly figure. The artist may have wanted it to resemble someone from the past as if they are visiting us as a spirit. Interpretation: The silhouette of the woman is done in a formal style of dress, as if she is returning to us from a an earlier century, possibly from the 1800's. She is presented in an iconic ghostly form, with her arms in a presenting position, almost as if she is before us from some purpose. Maybe to give something or provide some clue to a missing puzzle.

 

Video Review

Dada and Surrealism
This video discusses the two major art movements of Surrealism and Dada. Dada is about free emotion and state of mind. Surrealism is similar in theory and offers unique ways to view the world. This video discusses six artists that were important figures of these art movements and their famous collage style work, along with paintings. The text discusses many of these artists as well, in lesser detail. The artists use different techniques then artists centuries before them in order to create twisted meanings, interpretations and interests. Distance, size, and placement really affect the perspective and depiction, along with unrealistic elements. These things separate the Dada and Surrealist styles from traditional styles. I find surrealist art to be one of the most creative, mind bending forms, because it alters reality, instead of imitating it. This video showed some exceptionally unique artwork that had an impact on the art world forever. 


Expressionism
This video discusses artists that demonstrate the style of expressionism, in which emphasis is placed on the artists feelings over objective details. This video discusses many artists and pieces made with this style. Some of the works have also been influenced by other styles, such as cubism and romanticism. The book discusses more well known artists such as Henri Matisse, and the inspirational Van Gogh. The style can be done with bright colors, strange figures and strong expressions to communicate the feelings of the artist and what message they are trying to give. The video also discusses the strange, interesting ways that they artists are inspired, which I found to be interesting, such as Anselm Kiefer, who borrowed Leonardo Davinci's scene of the Last Supper, and flipped it with a twist of Holocaust influence.

The Impact of Cubism
The style of Cubism dictates that an image is pretty much taken apart and then pieced back together. Form and association are important to this style. Picasso is the father of this style of painting, and many of the artists in this video worked under his influence. The video discusses many of the implied meanings in art work and how association between objects connects the dots. The text focuses on Picasso's journey and contribution to this style. The video discusses many artists and the paths their life took to get them to cubism and their inspirations. I didn't realized they there was a particular way to read paintings of this style, and found it interesting that the video referred to this.



The Mystical North: Spanish Art from the 19th Century to the Present
Goya is the first artist discussed in this video as the father of modern art. It is said that he lit the spark of political expressionism in art. His pictures were very dark in nature, and surrounded his life. No other artists created anything quite like he did. They had different inspirations and came long after. The video goes on to discuss an artist that came half a century later, Antoni Gaudi, a famous architect that enlightened Barcelona. Picasso followed, with his sexual experiences as fuel to his artwork, along with his superstitious conceptions. Salvador Dali is another Spanish artist that focuses on dark, deadly themes, along with sexual ones. He is recognized as one of the greatest surrealist artists. Picasso and Dali are also discussed in the text. It is interesting to learn how Dali became such an astounding artist, as I have learned about his famous works many times now. His surrealist compositions put such an impact on the modern world of art.

Mask Project

Sketches

Inspirational Pieces

This mask is visually pleasing in its balance of color and shape and use of proportion. The asymmetrical style creates interest and plays on intriguing aspects. The side with the popping purple color uses the variation to extend the left side higher than the right. This traditional mask works well in design.

This mask has a similar asymmetrical style and design that allows for a differing proportion. The golden star works well with the feathers above it, making the design look unified. The mask also uses repetition in pattern.

This mask is a symmetrical style, contrasting from the previous two. The one asymmetrical element exists in the differing amount of stars applied to each side. It uses a variety of colors and shapes incorporated in the design. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        Final Mask

This mask was done with a tropical, Florida style inspiration. Mardi-gras is going on down here right now, so I wanted to work with that style of mask as the basis of my design. Where I work there are Mardi-gras parties every weekend where I see tons of these masks. I wanted to display the beach lifestyle in this mask as well. This is a playful spin on the Mardi-gras already playful style.  I used the idea of the asymmetrical aspect with the use of the yellow star shape and rose attached to the top. I also incorporated the idea of pattern, as the cardboard background has large, differing sized and colored stars. There are a variety of different colors used. Each of the large, ornate objects are unified in color with something else on the mask. The large gold star is the same color as the gold ribbon, and the rose is the same as one of the large red stars. I feel this creates unity among the mask. The other objects are differing hues of green, also creating unity. All of these are done on a white background, creating emphasis

Video Review

African Art: Legacy of Oppression

This video discusses the nature of African art that existed before and during the slave trade. Abstraction and symbols are strongly used in this artwork and the hold meaning to the African people. Certain features are exaggerated to emphasis themes such as fertility and power.They also took time to create extraordinary pieces with ordinary everyday objects, such as combs and cups. Westerners came and brutalized these people, and this is also reflected in the artwork. Western culture was curious about the African people and their different culture. The artwork has survived and brought new light into the world of art. The video gives insight on the deep rooted meanings and messages communicated through the abstract African artwork. It also elaborates on the struggles that these people suffered which contributed to the works and how Western people obtained these pieces. I chose this video because I find African art primitive and confusing in meaning. It helped me to understand the thinking behind the pieces. It was very sad to see the painful pictures capturing the barbaric ways that Westerners treated African people and their lack of care or consideration for their feelings and lives.

African Art
Since the first video was more aimed at oppression, I wanted to hear about African art from a more positive perspective. I find their barbaric, strange rituals to be interesting, along with the art they make to express them. A lot of the art is about movement, color, animals, and other basic life processes and routines with human life. Egyptian ideas about life and art spread across Africa, providing influence on other countries. Many statues were made to represent important rulers that were divine as the gods, such as in Egyptian art. African art was not introduced to westerners until the 19th century and it was viewed as primitive and childlike. However, the use of abstraction from African art has influenced many artists, such as Picasso. The styles of artwork vary among regions or groups throughout Africa, as described in the book in more detail. Many of the art pieces served as functional items as well. Artists were respected members of society in Africa also. African art is intertwined with magic and religion, and believed to intervine in the actual course of life. Many pieces were believed to represent spirits and give humans power over natural events. I find the connection of spirits to be interesting as well.

Buddhism
I chose this video because I really do not know much about this culture. The book gives a basic understanding of the principles that sustain the religion. The video showed how Buddhists live their lives and the places of worship that they foster. The architectural phenomenon of the many shrines, including the largest, the Borobudur Temple, and the famous Great Stupa were explored. The ideas and general meanings behind many statues and creations by the Buddhist people are examined as well. This video gave me a better visual of the practices by Buddhists and the artwork that plays an important role in the religion. Its amazing how the Borobudur Temple was once covered by lava and was able to be excavated.


Hinduism
The video discusses the general concepts involved in Hindu faith, as does the textbook. They have many symbolic meanings tied to life and death and the idea of rebirth and moving on to heaven. This culture worships many gods, and the many gods have shrines with great architecture and artwork dedicated to them carved from boulders. Much of the sculpture within the architecture tell stories about their scriptures. The same kind of work existed among cave art as well. Some of the artwork on these temples is viewed as erotic, but is nature to these people. Natural ways are very respected to these people on their sought out route to Brahma. Some of this artwork is described in the book as well. The video gives more insight to the meanings of this artwork to Hindu people. I found the video to be very informative about the Hindu religion and it gave me a better idea of their objectives.  The Hindu people seem to be very spiritual, peaceful people by nature.

Art Making/Material Exploration: Exploring Line

Right Hand Drawn with Left

Left Hand Drawn with Right

1. I haven't drawn a hand since high school art class so it brought me back to that learning experience. I was trying to capture the details of my hand without overdoing them. I have such small, dainty hands and I tried to give that effect in my drawing.
2. I selected pencil for this exercise because I am much more comfortable sketching with it.
3. It was very uncomfortable sketching with my left hand because I am not very good at doing much of anything that requires even the littlest bit of precision with it. I felt like I couldn't even make a straight line. My lines had to be made in small segments because every dash I made would always curve towards the left no matter what.
4. The drawing with my dominant hand is obviously better, however the other is not terrible. I think this was successful because I accomplished more with my left hand that I originally thought that I would.
5. No, I would not. It took me much longer to use my left hand and it was a struggle to produce the low quality drawing that I did.

Video Review

The Drawings of Michelangelo
I chose this video because Michelangelo was such an astonishing artist and I was curious to learn more about him. This video discussed the works of Michelangelo throughout his lifetime. His early commissioned statue, David, suggests his appreciation for classical sculpture. This was the first marble statue created since antiquity. Michelangelo began to master the creation of the twisted torso which is dominate in many of his works. Many of his personal drawings were discovered that he would not have wanted anyone to view, also demonstrated the idea of the twisted torso. Michelangelo had a love and passion for the male nude body and used the body to express unexplainable feelings and spirituality. In the most famous scene in his work in the Sistine Chapel, where God gives the spark of life to Adam, the body pose holds such theological meaning. The hands just barley touch and the bodies are done with such perfection as God and the first man of his creation. Later in his life, Michelangelo starts to face his own mortality and his conflicting feelings with his love for men and his Christian faith begin to take hold in his artwork. He finds a new way to represent the body. In his resurrection of Christ, he depicts Christ as having a broken body, such as one would expect after death. This is quite a transformation from his original perfection of the body. This is his "statement of what the male body can say of the human condition."
This adds a lot of depth to my understanding of Michelangelo from what I learned in the book. It helps me to understand the theological implications in his work and his passion of perfection. While the text does discuss a lot about Michelangelo, the video gives a better insight to his motivation, inspiration and commitment. The video was very interesting, providing many of his personal drawings and relationships that fueled his work.

Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master
I chose this video because I have never previously known about this artist before reading about him in the text. It seems he was very talented for his time. A drawing from when he was only 13 is shown, a portrait as many of his early works were. He was noted for enjoying drawing hands and his careful attention to the detail of aging in many of his portraits. Some of his works were about self inquiry, and he regarded himself highly as he used his own face in the creation of perfection. He was very inspired by Italian art, Venician to be exact. He was famous there for his work and was commission to make things as well. He eventually returned to Germany and set up a print shop, creating a series of woodcuts. Many of them were themes of punishment and destruction. The themes also tied into prevalent political and religious issues of his time and earlier in history. His keen portrayal of visual expression is what mounted his success. He shifted his work from wood prints to engraving on copper to better create shading difference of lightness and dark.
This video is very informative on the life of Durer and really explains how he became successful as an artist in this time period. It gives insight to his passion for Italian art and its footprint on his life. The information about his printmaking that was not explained in this chapter of the text gives understanding to the evolution of his work.

Velazquez
 This man was a painter who spent his life painting for King Philip IV. He painted the king with the eloquence in which he saw him. The king allowed him to live a life completely dedicated to art, and therefore he got to explore it totally and completely immerse himself. He did portraits of many people in the court and received his inspiration from artists before his time. He is viewed as an idealist, and creates his work using his 'mind's eye' to embody the sensation of the subject. Velazquez believed that the purpose of painting was not to recreate nature, but to guide the viewers' eye to see what the artist envisioned. He took a great interest in painting court jesters and capturing their humanity in a sympathetic manner. He found the beauty in these people that were looked at as freaks. It is said that all of his paintings not only capture the subject he is painting, but are also a reflection of himself. Velazquez did not use much color at all, rather his paintings were almost colorless. The few religious paintings that he did were done by commission. envisioned. I chose this video because I found it interesting to learn the life of an artist who spent a lifetime capturing the life of royalty and documenting such a prevalent part of society at the time. The book does not go into nearly as much detail about the artist's life as the video does. It does not speak of his inspiration, his life dedication, or the idealist perception. The movie also describes his talent in capturing court jesters in a loving way, casting a more human glance on the artist. This video is very insightful on the life of a true artist, one who actually lives to paint. It is interesting to learn of someone who has no other obligations other than artwork.


The Power of Art: Caravaggio
This artist is one that is purely eccentric and thuggish in his psycho violent ways. His life of violence and sin is reflected in his artwork. He is deemed the best artist to have lived up to his death due to the pure drama captured in his artwork. He is particularly skilled at taking a sacred event and creating sin within the scene. His invention of the use of lightness and dark up plays the drama in his work. Caravaggio not only left an impression in his artwork of violence, but in his life. His life was crime ridden, and eventually led to him as a fugitive on the run wanted for murder. He is pardoned long after, strongly due to his exceptional ability in art, but does not live to enjoy his freedom. One of his most famous and inspiring works was his commission to paint two scenes of the life of Saint Matthew in a church in Rome. These pieces captured to raw emotion and chaos different from any other rendering. The book does not describe the magnitude of this artist's extreme anguish in life which is what fueled his creativity and led to some of the most remarkable paintings of the time. This drama of this painter's life is really captured in this film which is why I continued to watch it. It was an interesting point of view how the artist's mind worked, due to his background, making his paintings so invoking.

Video Review

More Human than Human

This video discusses the image of the human body and its importance to our society today and thousands of years ago. A lot of artwork does not portray the body realistically, the Venus of Willendorf is the earliest example of this. Scientists realized that humans throughout the years have been prone to exaggerate features of the human body that are most desired. The features that are most desired can be different due to trends or lifestyles of the artist's civilization. However, the Egyptians did not create exaggerated features in their artwork of the human body. The culture of the Egyptians was prided on consistency, which is why they have portrayed the body from the clearest angles for 3000 years. These were the only images of the human body that they ever saw. In Greek culture, they held a different concept about the body. Due to their high intellect and religious beliefs, the Greek idolized perfected, realistic human forms. The more beautiful the human form, the more divine the being. Eventually, the Greeks found that the realistic image of the body became dull. This culture began to create movement within sculptures and exaggerated features such as muscles, producing interesting forms. People do not like realism, rather fantastical ideals of the body.

This film explains how people throughout history have conceptualized the image of the human body and projected in their artwork. The text describes many of these styles of sculpture as well. The film gives more understanding to how these works came into creation and their connection to changing societies throughout history. It was interesting to learn the theory behind why each culture valued certain traits and why each culture portrayed the body differently.

The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure

I choose this film because it goes further into Greek artwork and how they idolized the human figure. I find this idolization interesting because it is something that dominates the media today. The video discussed how art styles were transferred throughout the trading routes. Differing from the Greek style, the Cycladic people created abstract figures. The Greeks began creating pottery that spread across the world. Sculpture and architecture started a revolution in Greek culture, which has carried over into our world today. The book also describes these styles of architecture, which are the orders. The orders have been stylized with statues and sculptures.


The Cairo Museum

I choose this film because I have always heard about this museum and its extravagant contents. The many royal artifacts are amazing in their detail and beauty, and the idea of their importance many years ago. This museum holds over 100,000 artifacts that were discovered in Egypt. This museum holds preserved mummies, tombs and their hidden treasures. There have even been animals in these tombs that the Egyptians viewed as important in the eyes of the gods. The artifacts have been gently cleaned so that they can be put on display for many to see. The book also discusses many ancient Egyptian artifacts, but the video elaborates on their discovery and meaning in Egyptian culture.


The Greek Awakening: Art from the 5th Century BC
This video describes Greece as the birthplace of western civilization, due to the great intellect of many philosophers and artists who began to view themselves as the center of the universe, rather than the gods. The describe the Greeks being idolized as gods, which is why such beautiful artwork was created in homage. Cities began being constructed with with such beauty in the materials and design.  The Parthenon is a great example of such a building. It holds such importance in Greek culture, which is why it is being so carefully restored. They are mixing ancient segments with new ones, to reflect the idea of the humanist movement. This film demonstrates the importance of these Greek constructions, which are also discussed in the text, that are still true today. This video intrigued me based on the reconstruction of the Parthenon. I like the way that they decided to add new contributions to this exceptional building.

Video Review

Prairie Style

1. This video discusses the ways that architects (specifically Frank Lloyd Wright) use the surrounding environment to play into the architecture. Organic elements tie into the design of homes making the home look as though it belongs there. Using space in unique ways in the interior and exterior of the building creates visual interest.

2. The text discusses many different forms of architecture and modern ideas that are changing the way that architecture is created. Frank Lloyd Wright is also hailed in the text for his progressive architecture and the video gives more visual understanding of his ideas.

3. I really loved the homes that were shown in the video with their unique layout and interesting design. The idea of having furniture installed in homes to coordinate with the architecture is something that I would like to have in my own home some day. The film put an interesting view on modern architecture and how customized planning can have such an impact on the final product. It gave the craft of architecture a fine arts appeal on a personal level, in one's home.


Architecture: The Science of Design

1. There are many different concepts in this video pertaining to modern accommodations in architecture. The video discusses building methods in skyscrapers and how scientists engineer them to with stand wind. The classic building material, concrete, is still used today in many buildings, as was used many, many years ago. There are new and old methods for creating cement as well as laying concrete. Compression is a major factor in the world of concrete. There are different kinds of concrete for high performance uses. Computer systems are used in houses and buildings to provide customized settings for occupants and efficient uses of energy.

2 and 3. The text refers to concrete construction and the video illustrated how concrete is formed to give a better understanding. The video also explained more in depth the engineering involved in creating skyscrapers and what obstacles are relevant to architects in this field. The text also discusses green architecture, but from a construction perspective. The video discussed 'smart apartments' that are programmed to make decisions that save energy and work efficiently. I never considered this type of energy saving idea.


Classical Architecture

1. The style of classical architecture started in England around 5 centuries ago with the creation of the Queen's home. The basic form of the structure was created using squares and circles. Temple fronts and terraces were used as a way of demonstrating power and importance. Palladi created a book outlining his architectural styles called the "I Quattro Libre".  Neoclassical design came around a few hundred years later. The three orders of Greek architecture are discussed as well. The victorian styles of architecture came into play, winning over some, as opposed to classical style. Classical style had another rival, modern style, that was later combined with classical style, called post-modern classical.

2 and 3. Classical style and Greek orders are described in the text as well as the video. The videos describe how the different styles have had political impressions over the centuries, representing wealth and importance, as well as pleasing royalty in England. The video demonstrated specific houses in England that display these concepts.

View Tutorial

I. M. Pei and the Mathematics of Architecture

 

1. The Louvre is commissioned to an architect name Pei to make it more accessible. Pei discussed how he idealized his creation around a center of gravity and came up with a triangular shaped space that is light weight and allows light to pass through. He used the light cables used in sailboats to engineer this design. Light, shapes and space are important aspects in architecture. "What is shape without light?" comments Pei. He discusses other architects over the centuries that have had a hand in creating the Louvre, shaping is mortality. The Louvre is eventually opened up for the public to enjoy. Pei also created the architectural design of the tallest building in Asia, Hong Kong's Bank of China Tower, designed efficiently. The Hancock building disaster, in which windows blew out before the construction was complete, hurt Pei's company, although the window company was later found to blame. He bounced back and later worked on the National Gallery of Art in Washington. The building's odd shape had once posed a problem in producing a design, however Pei looked at the plot as two triangles, instead of an odd geometric space. The call for developing a big city in New York kept Pei busy, modernizing the city after the war. Pei is horrified by the living conditions of poor people that were living in areas of destruction. He created low cost homes that were an acceptable alternative for living. He also designed the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, making the building work with the environment. He later builds the Tower of Asians.

2. The film describes the way in which ideas form to be converted into architecture and what considerations that architects make when planning designs. Many different forms of architecture are described in the book that take into account the same ideals. 

3. Pei is a very wise man who has contributed to the engineering of many important buildings with his awesome expertise and understanding of architecture. This film illustrates the way that inspiration plays a huge part in design. Inspiration can come from anywhere and includes basic understanding of the principles and elements of design that we learned about.

4. I choose this video because the title included the concept of mathematics in architecture which I find to be an interesting aspect. However, Pei's career is very impressive and interesting to learn about.

Installation art

Creating Installation Art

Reflection
A. Installation art is art that is three dimensional and works with a given space to invoke the audience.
B. Any material or object that the artist sees fit can be used in installation art.
C. Installation art has the advantage of using more than two dimensional mediums to present ideas. A space that can be entered and explored provides far more interest for the viewer. It also allows the artist to be more creative by using many different materials and having all angles available.
D. I found the Reconstructed Icicles by Andy Goldsworthy to be interesting because when I first looked at the picture on page 254, it appeared to be merely a tree with a spiral around it. But when I read the title it gave the installation meaning. The artist is physically breaking the law of nature and creating an icicle of such an odd shape that is supposed to have formed around the tree.

Planning
A. I really adore when artists use red as a stand alone color against neutrals and that is why the picture on page 257 caught my eye. Louise Bourgeois created this installation called Red Room using large red spools of thread and other random items.
B. The theme that I am exploring is 'self'. I am planning to put every single thing that I use when I get ready to go out together in a collage like style.
C. I will used cosmetic products, clothing, and hair appliances.
D. I putting this installation in the corner of my room. My room is my sanctuary where I spend most of my time and where I actually get ready.


I am entitling this piece Quantitative Beauty. This piece is to show the expense, time and plethora of products that many of today's women use on any given day. I am one of those women. I wanted to illustrated the literal layers of beauty. This is a reflection of something that is very personal to my own style, and something that makes me feel like myself. For this reason, I love this piece. I think that it should say to others to be proud of your style because that is what makes you YOU. You can see that the materials used are products that can be purchased. Many are cosmetic products, some are hair styling tools and appliances, and also an entire outfit from head to toe. There is a shirt, jeans, a bra, underwear and shoes. A necklace, nail polish, and makeup brushes are also visible. I mounted all of the items on top of a jewelry box (on the left) and a shoe box (on the right). The actual materials range from wood, cardboard, plastic, and liquid to textiles such as suede, nylon, cotton and spandex.  All of the items are thrown together in a collage like style. This demonstrates variety through all of the different objects. There is somewhat of a rhythm among the items and the way they are laid across the space. There are also many different colors used. This installation scales a square of 2'3" by 2'4" and is 19" tall.
I think that using a site to create work within gives the artist so many different options and allows you to be more creative than with a flat surface. However, that means that there are more angles that need to be perfected since it can be viewed from all sides. But the fact that there are so many different ways to view the piece creates so much more interest.