Video Reflections 2

The Impact of Cubism:

Influenced by the works of Cézanne, African tribal art, and the art of the Iberian peninsula, Cubism—the most influential style of the early 20th century—offered European artists unfamiliar, nonclassical ways to represent form and space. Gris reveals his independence using spiritual elements and the imagination. He starts with abstraction and ends with the real object in exciting contrasts and interesting juxtapositions. Gris expands his artistic ambition by using the techniques of musical composition to layer elements of sound. He also incorporates collage as a tribute to the austerity of the Spanish tradition. In Duchamp's best known theme, controlled motion is balanced in a fixed setting, which is compared to stop photography. Robert Delaunay combines several points of view, nontraditional laws of perspective, elements of time and memory to reveal the Eiffel Tower as a confused, exciting statement about life. Delaunay explores the inner laws of light and color in an abstract approach. In "circular forms" he uses color as the subject of the painting to guide the spectator's perception of the picture as a whole. Malevich searches for mystical experiences represented in religious icons to order to find the essence of abstraction. "White Cross" is the purest representation of forces, emotions and imagination. Boccioni is inspired by the cinema screen to paint a fractured vision of modern city life synthesized in many moods.

Matisse and Picasso:
By the time both had become renown, Picasso and Matisse had broken with tradition with the establishment. Gertrude Stein is the first to recognize the greatness of Matisse (1905) and Picasso. Matisse is deliberate, rational, and very French in the way he organized his thoughts. Picasso is a worker, impulsive, and immerses himself in his painting. In 1912, Picasso invents the first collage, and is at the forefront of cubism. Paris was the city of inspiration for Matisse. In 1917, he finds the light he wants to paint by in Nice, France. This was an act of cutting loose and leaving everything behind. In Paris in the early 1920s, Picasso's life is turned upside down.
Matisse arrives in New York in 1930. America welcomes him like a star and gives him the Carnegie Prize, the Nobel of the art world. He then crosses the Pacific, seeking the Golden Age of Gauguin. He stays in Tahiti for 3 months. Unlike Matisse, Picasso did not travel, but worked in solitude in his studio. He works at night when he is "as close as possible to the unconscious." He uses neither pallet nor easel and Matisse works by the clock on a regular schedule. Unlike Matisse, three-fourth of the content of Picasso's paintings do not exist outside the paintings. His inspiration comes from life--women are the engine that drives him. Matisse, too, is a painter of the women who model for him. In the 1920s, Picasso's dialog with Matisse becomes more intimate. Picasso seizes on Matisse's arabesque, and incorporates roundness and color as never before in his paintings. In the mid-1930s, a Nordic beauty arrives in Matisse's studio--another "sleeping woman" to awaken an artist's inspiration. One of Matisse's habits was to paint during the day and then, in the evening, and then rub out what he had done. Unlike Matisse, who rubbed out his work every day, Picasso painted over the day's work, until a final painting may have a dozen or more layers. Picasso uses lines borrowed from Matisse, and later, Matisse borrows subjects, color, or lines from Picasso. During the Occupation of Paris during WWII, both Matisse and Picasso stay in the city. Darkness and evil can be found in Picasso's paintings of this period. No such violence exists in Matisse, and Picasso buys one of his paintings. In 1948, both Matisse and Picasso move to the south of France. A living legend, Picasso is offered the Grimaldi Palace to live in and Matisse lives in a villa in Provence. Picasso fathers two children at age 70 with Françoise. Picasso explores a new medium--ceramics. He and his family visit the Matisse household in Nice where Matisse is unable to paint, but creates collages instead. Picasso and Matisse had long discussions about the mystery of opposites and choices. Matisse's high regard for Picasso's work was evident in his reaction to "Winter Landscape." He kept it at the foot of his bed, unwilling to let Picasso have it back. Matisse dies in 1954 and Picasso then moves to Cannes.

Video Reflections

Andy Warhol:
Andy Warhol worked as a commercial artist until 1960 when he began experimenting with advertising images. He worked until his untimely death in 1987. Andy Warhol's interest in the lives of these famous women inspired several repeated images. Photographs are blown up and developed onto silk screens; they are transferred to paper and canvas, using ink and paint. Andy Warhol saw the repeated silk screen images as a way to make money. Warhol begins to photograph his friends; soon he is filming them also, shooting about 100 films. He begins adding paint to his silk screened images. Warhol produced dozens of self-portraits. As an art journalist his work addresses race riots, the conquest of the moon, the Cultural Revolution in China, and the universal reign of the dollar.
Art Expressionism:

By using Franz Kline's painting "C&O," abstract art is compared to figurative art. The filled space of the canvas is distinctively different in these two styles. Kline initially injects his work with mood and expression but moves towards painting colors in undefined space thus sparking the imagination with a sensual impact. Klines uses shapes that evoke emotions. Kline's use of action painting reveals a process of constant discovery and leads us into a world of color and form. "Mountains and Sea" causes her to emerge on the artistic scene and influences a generation of artists. There is a fundamental change in the way we look at a picture from her strength of vision. Frankenthaler's work is both feminine and mystical and induces a contemplative mood. An observer experiences a warming and exhilarating sense of fruitfulness in her work. "Morning: The Springs" expresses movement as an echo of sensations and is evocative of plant forms, light, and falling water. It is a momentary gift of light with a calligraphic quality. In 1952 De Koonig makes his name with "Woman One." By embracing a passionate and instinctive approach to painting, he becomes an instant talisman of "action painting." John's paintings undermine our assumptions and make us think. He seeks to make his common subjects visually seductive and to deceive our senses as a coherent system of information. By using blobs, drips and layers, pattern dominates Johns' work. The observer takes in the layers and yet sees the whole and moves from an impersonal to personal experience of his paintings. In the 1960s Andy Warhol is pop art's most famous son. This is never a very clear movement but is the first 20th Century art movement since Futurism to embrace the rhythms of city life. Both Warhol and Rauschenber become art icons of the 60s by paving the way for pop artists in their use of everyday objects. "Girl With Hair Ribbon" juggles the notions of representation and abstraction. The closer one looks the less the image is apparent and the details take on a life of their own. Lichtenstein treats style as something to be chosen according to the job, but he also concentrates on themes that stir emotions and passions

Art Making/Material Exploration Blog: Mask Making

I chose these images because these were the most appealing to me with the colors and the overall structure of the masks.  All of these masks use line throughout them with bold colors and distinct shapes. These masks all resemble some type of bird, most likely an eagle of sort.

Native American masks had many different purposes including its medicinal and spiritual uses and sometimes they were just used for entertainment purposes. Many Native American tribes believed that when certain animal masks were worn during specific tribal rituals that the person who wore the mask would take on certain characteristics of the animal depicted, they believed that the spirit of the animal would enter that person while they were in the mask.

There was not much info on the artists of these masks and the things that were used to create them although i am assuming many were made with wood and paint of some sort. 

 http://www.andrewcollins.com/page/articles/txsa_2_caddo.htm

Sea Eagle Stephen Bruce
Native Mask - Sea Eagle by Stephen Bruce C2011

 http://www.southeastaviation.com/sections/Tours/metlakatla.html

http://www.justart.ca/

I used water colors and pencil on plain white paper. 


4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.
I used lines throughout the mask to create the wings and the markings of the face of the bird. I used bold colors to try and represent the intensity of this bird and to make it seem realistic.  I used pattern in the designs on the face and used my favorite colors purple and turquoise.

5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask. I thought the finished mask turned out well and i think it resembles the eagle. I chose the eagle to represent myself as being being free, bold, and one of a kind. Overall i enjoyed the project and using my creativity to make the mask.

Buddhism:
I chose this video because I found the history of Buddha to be quite interesting, therefore I was intrigued by this video choice. Buddhism fact and legend intertwine in Bodh Gaya , India . The key concept to the teachings of Buddhism is “tanha” which is the extinguishing of all desires and all things that feed the ego and obstruct enlightenment. Within one hundred years of Buddha's death, Buddhism split into two groups: the monks or the "hinayana" and the rest, "mahanyana." Buddha’s death can be seen as the end of the Golden age. During and after the Golden Age of Buddha, Buddhist art and architecture flowered across India . Sanchi is a center of Buddhist art and architecture. Within the ornate carvings of the Great Stupa, Buddha disappears into symbolism and is represented only by a few symbols such as a Bodhi Tree, and  he is not seen is a human form. Around the Great Stupa is a walkway where every step is a discovery of Buddhist art and architecture. The pilgrim must walk clockwise around the Stupa, he lets go of material things for the attainment of virtue. In the central highlands of Java , Indonesia , lotus-shaped Borobudur stands as the largest Buddhist shrine in the world made of lava rock. At the top of the monument stand 432 carved Buddha’s. Buried by volcanic debris and vegetation, Borobudur is uncovered in 1815.
Hinduism:
I chose this video because these arts of Hinduism sort of reminded me of Egypt which is one of my most favorite places.
In Varanasi, the holiest city in India, the River Ganges is the symbol of life, death, and rebirth. On the Ganges, a priest performs "aarti," a ceremony to honor Brahma/God. induism's gods and goddesses function in a way similar to Christian saints by providing access to Brahma/God. Hindu architecture is lush with decorative sculptures of many gods. Cremation in Varanasi on the Ganges is assurance of direct access to heaven. In Mamallapuram, India, Mother Ganges turns to stone, a holy and highly decorated place. Carved within boulders, the caves are highly decorated with the epic and the ordinary, the fantastic and the familiar. Carved from single boulders, shrines in Mamallapuram are lavishly decorated. A barrel-vaulted shrine rests on slender pillars for over 1500 years. Excavated from the Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple is a treasure house of Hindu art and architecture. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple, built in the ninth century by the Chandella rules, stands in Khajuraho, India. Lavishly carved panels are covered in erotic images. Pilgrims pay homage to the lingam/phallus for it life-giving, creative forces. The source of all life for Hindus is Brahma—the Great breath. Hinduism teaches that there are many ways to Brahma/God and these ways are symbolized by many gods. Hinduism carries within it a deep sense of spiritual in the ordinary and the everyday.

The Great Wave:
I chose this video because I have always wanted to visit both Japan and China after I began taking martial arts.Full of mystery and contradiction, Hokusai's "The Great Wave" epitomizes Japan's art and culture. Its image appears on everything from coffee mugs to high fashion while political cartoonists and tattoo artists also subvert its image. As a teen, Hokusai is apprenticed to a well-known artist and becomes a professional print designer. Impoverished, he later takes refuge in a temple. When he begins to work again, “The Great Wave” plays a starring role in his life.Many Westerners see the painting as a symbol of implacable Nature. To the Japanese, the image is one of courage and perseverance. Critics agree that the wave is not a tsunami. Hokusai spent most of his time working with a distinct tradition of Japanese art called the "floating world" style. He is influenced by the sensual indulgences and eroticism of Shiba Kokan's works, which are, in turn, influenced by Western art. Waves come and go throughout Hokusai’s art, even when the mountain is the primary subject. With "The Great Wave," Hokusai introduces Prussian blue, a pigment that won't fade. Hokusai's “The Great Wave” is based on his structural theories of geometry. It consists of circles and triangles in a back-to-front arrangement influenced by Western art. Once it is finished, "The Great Wave" is a bestseller. Only a few of the highest quality historical prints exist. Hokusai's wave painting is a perfect example of fractals, as the images repeat themselves at ever-decreasing scales. Four years  after Hokusai's famous painting was published, a major earthquake strikes Mt. Fuji. Hokusai’s wave design is adapted in illustrations of the mountain. Hokusai seems to be seeking the definitive expression of the wave.

African Art:
I chose this video because I was intrigued by what I had about this art in our book.
In sub-Saharan Africa, aesthetic sense is shown in dress, hair styles, forms of ornamentation, rituals and performance art. The oldest existing African art is found in drier regions. Ancient bush paintings represent animals and humans; these stylized pictures may be a wish for luck in the hunt. Egyptian and Saharan art and architecture show influences of agriculture. Bronze castings of Nigeria date from the 15th century. A royal residence in South Eastern Africa shows symbolic art and architectural style of the 14th century. Primitive Art influenced Picasso and modernist painters. European art is perceptual. Most African art is conceptual, flowing from the artist's mental images. There exists great diversity in African art, but all cultures combine crafts with art. The artists repeat traditional designs, adding their own refinements. Supernatural powers are controlled through art objects. Carvings or sculptures are the actual home of the ancestor. Masks are often highly stylized and embellished. Costumes are designed to be used by fire light. Modern African art is created for the mass market.

Art Gallery Visit

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit? Videosphere
2. What is the theme of the exhibition? This is a collection of installation art works

Questions about the physical space:1. What type of lighting is used? All of the rooms were dark, depending on how large or small the screen was depended on how light it was in the room.
2. What colors are used on the walls? Either black or white walls.
3. What materials are used in the interior artchitecture of the space? The only materials besides the screens were chairs or benches to sit on.
4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space? It was a little confusing walking throught the different rooms, almost like a maze. Plus, it was dark so sometimes it was hard to figure out which was to go to get to the next room.

Questions about the artwork:1. How are the artworks organized? I didnt really notice a pattern of organization of the different rooms, as stated before, it was a little confusing and almost reminded me of a maze.
2. How are the artrworks similar? They were all installation art works with the use of video.
3. How are the artworks different? They all portrayed a different message, all very unique.
4. How are the artworks framed? No frames, either screens or televisions.
5. How are the artworks identified and labeled? Each work had a typed up summary of the artist and a little about the work posted on the wall within the room.
6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other? Again i didn't find much relation to each work in any specic order, or spacing. They were all clustered together sort of randomly throughout the upstairs of the gallery and few downstairs.

 

Artwork #1
Artist: James Drake
Title of wotk: Tongue-cut Sparrows 1996
Video Installation Size: n/a Source of picture: Digital camera
Description: When first walking into this room i sensed a lot of emotion as you see three young girls. One is crying, one is using a type of sign laguage, and the other just starring off. After reading the information on this work, i was moved. It is three young woman standing outside of a prison communicating with their loved ones through a sort of sign laguage. Just seeing the amount of emotion in their faces, and the power of communication was moving.
Elements and principles used: I feel that the use of black and white added to the emotion on the video. Unity was used between the three women going through similar experiences.

 Artwork #2
Artist: Michael Snow
Title: Solar Breath 2002
DVD projection Size: n/a Source of picture: digital camera
Description: This installation reminded me of a breezy summer day. I always loved watching the wind blow the curtains through the window. I found it interesting that the artist who lived in this cottage noticed that just before sundown, this weird wind would come through and such the curtain to the window as shown in his installation. It reminds me of the beauty of nature and all the things it is capable us, even as simple as this wind.
Elements and principles used: Rhythm was about the only thing i could pick up in this work, just watching the curatin blow back and forth.

 Artwork #3
Artist: Jennifer Steinkamp
Title: Dervish I, 2004
Digital projection Source of picture: digital camera
Description: Trees are one of my favorite things about nature, they can be large, small, beautiful, scary, colorful, or dull. This work shows the different stages and changed of a tree, from spring to summer, autum to winter. It reminded me of life and the different stages one must go through to grow and move forward.
Elements and principles: Movement, was used as the tree swayed back and forth. Color, as you can see the many colors of the different seasons. Texture, althought this is a projection, the texture looks almost like a real tree.

Step 3: The Artwork

Step 2: The Gallery
Step 1: The Exhibition

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?

I found it interesting to use my hands for a drawing, each crevase comes together to make the shape and contour of the hand.

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why? I chose charcoal because it is my most favorite medium. Its smooth, bold, shades easily, and in my opinion adds more depth.

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand? I struggled using my left hand to draw, i felt like i was a kid again just learning how to hold a pencil. I really couldnt keep a controlled line going with this hand, and i feel it took me twice as long.

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies? I think my left hand looks a lot more realistic that the right. Again drawing with my left hand was a little difficult.

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?

 Probably not only because i felt like i cant keep my hand steady and it takes me a lot more time to draw something with my non-dominant hand. I think i would stick with my dominant hand in the future.

Video Responses

The Drawings of Michelangelo-

Michelangelo is an artist that fascinates me by his lifelike works. His drawings can be viewed in the British museum by serious students. I found it interesting that there are so many factors to consider when drawing, such as the weight, making it look like an actual human being. Also the use of cross hatching to make the figures is fascinating that these simple lines can make up such a complex picture. Michelangelo was very well rounded, as he also taught himself how to sculpt, in which his knowledge anatomy really helped him to make such beautiful pieces. His signature work is the “Pieta” a sculpture of Christ which was a great accomplishment. In 1505 he was invited to Rome, and in 1508 he decorated the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which was the greatest commission of his life. When god gives the spark of life to Adam, is the most important part of the ceiling.  

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance

Leonardo da Vinci is another of my favorite artists mostly because of his diversity. He was the quintessential “Renaissance man”. Throughout his childhood his artistic sensitivities increased and developed and he eventually apprentices with Andrea del Verrocchio in Florence. He learned to master perspective and proportion of humans and animals and learns to draw from life. When he was twenty two he was accepted into the painter’s guild. He also became experienced with architecture, machinery and mechanical inventions.

Albrecht Durer: Image of a Master

I chose this video because I don’t really know much about this artist other than what I have read in our book. Durer is said to be the greatest artist of the northern Renaissance, and was the primary conduit which Italian Renaissance forms and ideas were introduced in Germany, under which was still dominated by Gothic tradition. His father whom was a goldsmith was a great influence to him along with his godfather and one of Germany’s finest printers, publishers, painter and illustrator; Anthony Koberger. He became fascinated with portraits and the process of aging. He is considered to be the first landscape artists which was influenced by Venetian artist.

Valazquez

I chose this one as well because I do not know much about this artist, although the name is familiar. He was an extraordinary painter, who was a court painter of King Philip the Fourth of Spain, whom was a good friend of his. He was influenced by those of Italy and many of his works are based on an earlier age.  His paintings really capture the moment which can be seen in many of his works included the painting of Prince Don Carlos. His wife remained by his side throughout their life, and they had two daughters together. Velazquez is an idealist from a vantage point above reality. He uses his mind's eye to capture the essence of a king personality characterized by stasis, but full of inner movement and emotion. Velazquez paints based on what he see’s such as pictures of deformed individuals with great sympathy and insight that reveal an artistic and psychological breakthrough. Regardless of flaws, he paints was he sees.