Week Eleven - Art Gallery Visit #2

Foods-R-U.S.

The theme of Cheryl Jackson’s exhibit is centered on the idea that the United States is highly influenced and characterized by the food industry as well as television and the elements associated with it.  As for the set-up of this exhibition it requires a significant amount of space, electricity, and a particular arrangement of the materials.  Furthermore, the lighting required to view this installation is not very exquisite, meaning that ordinary forms of lighting can be used to view this work of art and still portray the piece in its entirety.  In addition to the external scenery the color of the walls in the gallery are not painted with specific hues, this occurs because the materials in the work of art convey a thought process from the objects already used, hence the reason why particular wall colors are not necessary.  Moreover, the materials used in this installation can be considered common objects in the daily lives of Americans.  The use of the television set, eating trays, chairs, food packages, and juvenile toys all expel the idea that there are two themes being presented.  Firstly, the incorporation of the everyday items displays the idea that there is a commonality amongst all Americans, which is the way in that family bonding has been influenced by the products of society.  Secondly, the installation posits the notion that Americans have become very lethargic and less active in the traditional communication process.  A statement like this suggests that people in the country are easily circumvented by entertainment and advertising, again, which brings a dumbing affect to the individuals that are participating in this form of behavior.  Lastly, the organization and proximity ( in comparison to the other works of art in the gallery) of this installation allows viewers to walk around the work of art, this gives different viewing points, and also this movement allows the viewer to focus on particular objects with various thinking processes being attained. 

 

Cheryl Jackson

Foods-R-U.S.
1998

Gio’s Summer Dress

                As for this work of art the theme is difficult to verify because of the simplicity it projects when viewed from a distance.  However, this thought process is changed when the viewer steps closer to the piece and realizes the detail that is incorporated into it.  Specifically, this work of art has general sculpture look but with an expressionism twist to it, also, it uses a unique material that sets it further apart from traditional sculptures.  For this exhibit there was no obscure organization involved, again, if a viewer was walking through the gallery this piece would stand out, however not because of any special lighting or amount of space it takes up.  The proximity of this work of art in comparison to others is somewhat different for numerous reasons.  One in particular is because the sculpture is three-dimensional and brightly colored.  Another reason is because it stands on a base while most of the other works of art are flat and hung on the wall. Lastly, this piece has abstract appeal to it as well as surreal, mostly because of the detail of the material and the unusual look of the piece. 

Lynda S. Juel
Gio's Summer Dress, 2012
Metal sculpture

World Peace

                This work of art has a theme about how human beings and their actions, mostly associated with war and other disheartening events.  Also, the piece includes the concept about how small and irrelevant humans are in the universe.  The artists uses a surreal composition for her work by making the objects in the work of art larger than they would normally appear, as well as look different too.  Additionally, the organization for the piece is quite extensive, it requires a lot of space, allows the viewer to walk around the work of art as well as through the center of it.  There is no specific lighting but this installation has does have a close proximity in regards to the other objects in the work of art.  Furthermore, the use of ceramic and wood is difficult to notice, each object has an insidious look of plastic or plaster, however this not the case.  Moreover, it is these characteristics that made World Peace unique from the majority of works of art in the gallery, again, mostly due to the fact that all the other works of art were flat.   Lastly, this work of art incorporates the use of surrealism and expressionism, also the theme of concept art can be attached to it.

Nancy Jurs
World Peace
Ceramic and wood

                I thought that this art gallery visit was amazing; since it was my first time in the gallery I was astonished by how new and organized it was in comparison to the other galleries I have visited.  In regards to stepping out of my realm as viewing the art from a different perspective I was able to gain a new insight about how works of art can be understood and appreciated.  By using all the elements for this project I gained a new respect and comprehension of how art can view by others, and not only my perspective.       

Week Twelve - Blog: Video Review

I chose to view the films Isamu Noguchi: The Sculpture of Spaces and Andy Warhol: Images of an Image because of my interest for both sculpting and art specifically by Andy Warhol.  Moreover, I thought these films would enhance my comprehension of specific forms of art and be able to provide a professional discussion about them. 

The key concepts I learned from the Isamu Noguchi: The Sculpture of Spaces are:

·         Sculptures  take a lot of time to finish

·         They can use a small or large amount of space

·         Use an array of materials

·         Invoke emotions and thoughts

·         Be surreal and realistic

The Key concepts I learned from the Andy Warhol: Images of an Image are:

·         The creativity that goes into specific works of art

·         How works of art can have “mini” works of art in them as well

·         Can project particular thoughts and images

·         Bring movement and other forms of participation

·         Allow positions on specific issues to be noticed

Overall, I thought that the videos were outstanding, specifically the one about sculpting.  However, both of the films were able to bring a better comprehension about how works of art are created and finished.  Lastly, the films brought the idea of the various forms of art and artists that are and have been participating in the art world.  Again, I thought the films were outstanding. 

Week Eleven - Blog: Video Review

Cubism and Expressionism have now been added to my favorite forms of art, the reason is because of the content and form that is usually involved in these works of art.  Specifically with cubism I enjoy the fragmentation and use of geometric and naturalistic lines that give the images or subjects matter their shape.  Any form of art that incorporates the attainment of particular emotions and thoughts is great in my opinion.  Expressionism art’s use of subjective style gives it a unique twist in comparison to other forms of art, which in turn allows me to appreciate it more than other forms of art.  Mostly, I enjoyed watching these films because they conveyed how these forms of art are interpreted by the viewer and creator; also, they gave me a new found intelligence about how and why some of the specific works of art achieved their purpose.

For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The key concepts I learned from The Impact of Cubism are:

·         Cubism uses shapes more than entire images

·         They can be both geometric shapes and natural shapes

·         Can be used in other works of art besides painting

·         Allow viewers to notice particular segments of the work of art

The key concepts I learned from the Expressionism film are:

·         It incorporates vivid imagination

·         Is not realistic at times

·         Allows the artist to utilize their creativity without conforming to other forms of content

·         Can look similar to abstract art

I thought that the videos related to the readings in the text quite well.  Moreover, they allowed me to gain more insight about each category of art and the artist that utilize this form of art.  Lastly, I thought that the videos were great; they discussed many things that were not mentioned in the text.  This in turn gave me a better understanding about the forms of art. 

Week Ten- Art Making/Material Exploration Blog: Mask Making

I think that African art provides great depictions of creativity and authentic influence when it comes to masks for ritual or celebrations.  This is the reason why I chose to use African masks as my foundation for creating my own work of art.  Also, it is reasonable to say that the masks are much different from other cultures in the world, which is another reason why I enjoy viewing them so much.

In regards to the analysis and description of the mask I created it provides an appearance that the mask has some significance in regards to important things in my life, school and learning awesome information about things that will certainly be retained.   Furthermore, the use of bright colors and particular shapes gives the viewing of the mask an energetic emotion and is able to bring the viewer to an idea that the mask is used for important purposes. 

Below are my sketches of the mask I created and the other masks I used for inspiration.

Below are the final version of the mask I completed.

The elements that were used in the final version of my mask are shapes and mass because of the three dimensional characteristics as well as complementary coloring and emotional effects of coloring, this occurs because each of the colors used is the category of primary and are able to build an impression from one another.  For this creation the principles that are incorporated into this project are emphasis because the image has a red hue in the front and capture the attention from the rest of the object (the mask).  Another principle that could be used are the scale and principle characteristics, mostly because the mask is able to generate thoughts about how big it is compared to its environment, as well as the person wearing it, which is me.

My thought about this project is an optimistic approach.  I thoroughly enjoyed be creative and attempting to express my thoughts through three dimensional forms.  I found it difficult because of all the responsibilities I juggle, however, during the creativity process and actual construction of the mask I noticed that I was enduring elated feelings.  Again, I think art is great, because the projects and readings I now understand why it is required as an elective for studying.  It allows a person to see how art has a major influence on all of society. 

Week Ten - Blog: Video Review

               For this video review I chose the African Art and Buddhism films due to the fact that they incorporate my favorite forms of living.  Each way of life expounds the fundamental reasoning for human existence and how every other element in the world in unnecessary and irrelevant.   

African Art

                During this film I was able to appreciate the necessities of life and how they can influence artistic creativity.  Moreover, it allowed me to understand that indigenous or art created in cultures without modern materials can be equivalent to the talent and intelligence that it takes to make other forms of art.  Additionally, I gained a new respect for the difference of livelihoods and how they each influence the artistic works in their specific culture. 

Buddhism

                Buddhism is my favorite way of life because it appreciates the basic understanding of how suffering does not have to occur and how each person can reach this prosperous living.  The works of art that arose from the people in this culture expel how they thought and lived, their understanding of how life can a pleasant experience if certain gals are achieved.  Furthermore, their respect for their environment also demonstrates how and why their sculptures, architecture, paintings, and other forms of art are created.  Basically, they used their philosophy as a foundation for the initiation of creativity, which happened all over the world but the Buddhists seemed to actually live this way.

                I thought that the films related to the chapter quite well because of the topics discussed, particularly with how works of art were influenced.  The films were able to give an in depth understanding as to why the Buddhists lived the life that they did and why their artwork reflected this choice.  Overall, I thought these films have been the best thus far for numerous reasons.  One in particular is because I am an atheist and find religion and the culture surrounding it to be fascinating, mostly because the majority of the world is religious is some way.  Another reason why I enjoyed these two films has already been mentioned, with each of these cultures simplifying life and attempting to achieve the fundamental requirements for prosperous living is highly respectable in my opinion.  Great videos, I would like to view more films that incorporate how works of art are influenced by the culture that they derive from, outstanding.      

Week Nine - Blog: Video Reviews

Since I enjoy many forms of art I found it difficult to pick only two films, however because I also enjoy compromising decided to view only two films, they were: The Drawings of Michelangelo and The Power of Art: Carravaggio.  The reason why I chose the two films is related to the readings from the chapter and the interest that generated because of them.

The Drawing of Michelangelo

A lot of information was able to be retained by watching this film in regards to the intelligence and talent Michelangelo had.  Specifically, I was amazed that he was so talented with only one or two materials.  When I viewed at his drawings I was amazed that this were done prior to any modern technological developments and are still interesting to look at after the many years that have passed.  Moreover, I the lesson that I was able to learn that had the most prominence was how Michelangelo used his artwork as way to deliver messages or communicate his thoughts without any verbalization, extremely fascinating.

The Power of Art: Carravaggio

This film was amazing, the works of art that were done by Carravaggio are very realistic and convey the sense that it must take an extreme amount of talent and energy to do the type of work he has done.  Also, I was able to comprehend how some of his works of art implemented religious characteristics into them.  This speaks volumes because of the era of history in which he lived, it also construes the thought that this structure of living was common and influenced his creativity,

Each video related to text in a suitable fashion, however with these specific chapters I was able to gain a better understanding of the era’s and types of art that was created from the films.  They gave me an ideal perspective on the specific lives of each artist and the period of history in which they lived.  During the films I constantly kept thinking about what it must have been like to live during this period of history as well to walk amongst the artists that were popular then, and even currently.  Lastly, I thought the films were awesome; I really enjoy learning about things that are not in my curriculum because they always astonish me.  Also, the films were able to give me a better appreciation for history in a more specific sense rather than the general theme we were all taught as juveniles.   

Week Nine - Art Making/Material Exploration Drawings - Exploring Line

Well, for this project I found it to be very fun, but frustrating at the same time. The fun derived from being able to make some kick ass art regardless of how inept I am in regards to the complications that arose from not being ambidextrous.  Moreover, I found using my hand as a subject was interesting and extremely difficult.  Interesting because I rarely look at my hand and am amazed that it has so much detail involved, great natural art from my perspective and it provides an in depth view into how advanced art can be.  Additionally, it was difficult to draw such detail because of my limited ability, especially when I switched to my inferior hand.   

I chose to use pencil because of prior experiences with charcoal, usually I end up making a mess and smudging it all over the paper or other material and somewhat ruin the artwork.  Hence, the reason why I chose to utilize lead this time. 

In regards to drawing the right hand with my non-dominate hand it was extremely irritating because I was unable to generate the flow and detail I aspired. Furthermore, with regards to studying art I have an acquiescent approach to my drawings.  Mostly because I do not think they are not that great, however, if an artist could depict an image with precision then I certainly think that it place in academia could be astounding.  Lastly, I would consider using my non-dominant hand in other works of art because it can bring a new approach or even form of creativity to the piece that I am doing.  I never thought that using a “weak hand” for a sophisticated purpose could be useful, it unusual to think about, however it does its benefits.   Below, is my ATTEMPT at this project, enjoy!

   

Module Eight Video Reviews

After going through the list of videos I chose three that I thought would be the most entertaining.  The standards that I set for picking these films included my passion for history, art, and Greek philosophy, which in turn made specific films stand out.  Furthermore, another reason why I chose the three films is because they are closely related to the material that has been recently covered in class.  I thought by implementing my particular interests into the relevant coursework that it would allow a greater appreciation and understanding towards the inquiry to art.  Additionally, from watching the various films I was able to learn new things that brought a sense of fondness and a more thorough comprehension of the art world.   

More Human than Human

In this film there were many educational concepts that I retained and will be able to transfer in my life professionally and personally.  Specifically, the most prevalent idea was how the film discussed how each culture incorporated the human body in many of their works of art.  Whether it was realistic, unrealistic, or a form of memorial each civilization used depictions of the human body as a representation of art.   Moreover, another educational lesson that I was able to comprehend and utilize in a useful manner was in regards to the consistency that the Egyptians carried through their human body artwork throughout each period in their civilization.  By learning this I was able to acknowledge how traditions in art are carried on and how significant it can be in cultures.  It is as if each artist builds or evolves from each other and implements the evolution of art into their particular piece.

The Greek Awakening: Art from 5^th Century BC

This film was great because of the history involved and how it pertains to Western civilization.  Particularly I thought that how the film discussed the revolution of arts, theatre, philosophy, and other elements of the culture was fundamental for understanding the entire film.  Without acknowledging the foundation of the art field it would be difficult to understand why and how the culture created specific works of art.  Greek architecture and realism would not have an in depth understanding that is known today without the revolution in ideas and art, it is these components that engineered and developed the Greek civilization which then transitioned into the development of the Western world today. 

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

For this film I was able to take away the specific materials and thinking that the Greek artists used in regards to their creativity.  Moreover, the discussion of the film allowed me to understand how this culture viewed art and the human body.  Their use of realism in sculptures and pottery demonstrates how serious and sophisticated they were in everything that they did, well in my opinion at least.  Lastly, the Greek obsession with realism and movement illustrates how they were fascinated with the human body; this fascination suggests that the Greek’s understood how vital humankind had become in changing the world and understanding it.

Each of these videos related to the material in this module in a plausible fashion.  With watching these videos I was able to comprehend the reading and pictures of artwork with a clearer understanding.  They allowed a deeper vision to be brought to light and gave a conclusion that exemplified why learning about this subject matter is necessary.  Basically, it gave an appreciation and comprehension to how art has evolved and why it is done in specific forms currently, history and cultures tuned their creativity to the cultures and time periods that they lived during.

Again I was amazed at the breadth of knowledge that was accumulated in these videos.  The discussions about cultural influences in art posited the notion that art has a significant role in any civilization.  Also, the idea that societal elements and common thoughts, or morality is expounded when viewing art in specific eras suggests that creativity has enormous impact on cultures.  For example, the sculptures, paintings, pottery, and other forms of art depict a general thought process in regards to a specific culture, which in turn transferred these thoughts and creative processes into further generations.  Hence the reason why art and creativity has always been a part of human civilization and will continue to be for many future generations, the ideas and artistic creativity give a civilization a face or image that others can comprehend, or at least attempt to.     

Week Seven - Blog: Video Review

Upon watching the four films I have been able to comprehend numerous concepts about the architecture throughout history and how the design process is initiated.  Specifically, I will discuss key educational elements that I have been able to take away from each video. 

Prairie Style

In this video I was able to understand how an architect, specifically with Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, are able to generate a phenomenon is designing and that by implementing the environmental elements into the design can create exquisite characteristics throughout the entire structure.  Moreover, I thought that horizontal and layering that Wright used was great, his recognition of how to utilize an environment and incorporate it into a designing process is profound and at the time monumental in the field of architecture. 

Architecture: The Science of Design

This film was my favorite of the four that I viewed, the reason is due to the explanation of materials used and how it has evolved in the modern technological era.  Particularly when the narrator and architects explained why nature has a major impact on designing and the materials used I gained an appreciation for the effort and planning that goes into making certain structures safe and impervious to damage from these elements of nature as well.   Moreover the “smart apartments” section was amazing, I do not think that many human beings are able to indulge in such a technologically induced living currently, but the fact that these designs are available is remarkable.  The amount of time and effort that goes into the wiring, set-up, and personal requests must take a very long time to properly administer. 

Classical Architecture

After watching this film I was able to appreciate and acknowledge the Greek and Roman civilizations further.  I always knew that these cultures have been a major influence on a lot of the things that are around currently, but the influence of architecture was a new found intelligence.  The use of columns and arches is quite prevalent in societies across the planet and is probably not even noticed or understood that these two civilizations are responsible for these design elements.   Furthermore, it amazing that the past cultures of the world are able to resurrect their presence with architectural components; this is what the thing I learned and found astonishing the most.  History and art can be correlated as most of the other societal elements in the world. 

Last Call for Planet Earth: Sustainable Development and Architecture

Similar ideas and characteristic of my personality are exemplified in this film.  The understanding that beauty and permanence can be incorporated together and still adhere to positive ecological issues is always a fine thing in my opinion.  Additionally, the most prominent educational lesson that I took away from this video was about the use of renewable materials and using the climate to help design a specific structure.  This outstanding cooperation between architects and the environment should be more common, possibly even regulated so that the present and future generations are able to live in an environment that is not assaulting them.  Even if humans are the main culprit in creating the destruction or demise of an environment it does not make it righteous.  By implementing materials and a design that are more environmental friendly always have positive results for everyone.  Great film, this was my second favorite!

Each video encompassed numerous sections from the chapters in the text and brought a further understanding of the how the study of art or inquiry of art can be transferable into other parts of life.  Meaning that I now have a more in depth comprehension and appreciation of how and why certain things in the community are considered to be art and how and why they are designed, it serves as an enhancement and maturity in a person (me).  One example that comes to my mind that is located in the Western New York Area is the Botanical Gardens.  Yes, I understand that it is a greenhouse, but, it still represents the usage of the ideas in regards to sustainable developments (eco-friendly and green architecture), and all other concepts in the films and chapters (all of them not only this one).  If decomposition is properly used all of the design processes discussed and elements or principles of art are exhibited in this structure, good stuff! 

As aforementioned my opinion of the films is that they were again outstanding.  Since I am a reading-type of person the films always help me bring the confusion or doubts I have about anything to an end.  There were parts of the book that I had to read over or stop and take a few minutes to digest, however, when I viewed the films I was able to grasp the concept and move forth with confidence.  The visual representation and actually being able to hear and see what an architect is thinking while in “design mode” solidified the thought that this is a combination of art and science, two great things!

The reason why I chose the “Last Call for Planet Earth” video is because it pertained to a lot of the things I think about on a daily basis, and not only in the realm of the art field.  Ecology and innovation is always on my mind, I think it may stem from the nerdy/hippy in me, however, I think these things are vital for maintaining a positive place to live in.  Who wants to worry about atrocious living conditions, or not having any creativity to help enhance the personal and general livelihood of human beings?  Once more, the films were great, especially the “Science of Design” video! 

Art Making/Material Exploration Number 3: Installation

Works of art that are categorized into the genre of “installation” can encompass many forms of creativity and uses of space.  Since installation art requires an amount of space these works of art endure a lengthy process and thorough dedication in order to achieve the artist’s goal (in professional standards).  Additionally, the materials that are implemented into these works of art come from an enormous category and artists can even use utilitarian objects or create new objects to install into their artwork. Specifically the materials can be explained as being general art materials (various kinds of paint, metals, acrylics, ceramic, etc…) and an array of objects or other materials that the artists is implementing into his or her work of art.   For example, an artist can use an object they put together (i.e. Welded metallic materials that do not have a common appearance, or do have a common appearance) and then use the common materials such as paint or plaster to highlight the emotions and thoughts behind the work of art as well as giving the creative work a more significant appearance (i.e. Painting the welded metallic materials, adding acrylic, or other things to form the completed version of the work of art.)  The length of a discussion that can be generated from the use of materials in a work of art that is deemed in the category of installation is extremely long and can transition into a conversation that almost never ends, hence the general and brief explanation aforementioned. 

The reasons for making an installation work of art has numerous reasons, one being that is was the artist chooses to partake in.  A second reason is a more common goal of artists, it allows for an expression on emotions and thoughts from both the artist and the viewers.  Lastly, I think installations have a purpose of utilizing the space around a person so a different perception and act of viewing is achieved, by using a larger space it changes the interaction of the viewer, he or she is not looking straight ahead or from a specific angle, by doing this I think a different perception is attained because the actions of movement from the eyes, and limbs, which in turn transitions into a process of thoughts that have a quicker succession.  Moreover, the artist that I found to be the most appealing was Suzanne Hiller, mostly due to her outlook on what installation artwork can be.  Particularly, when she expounds how a viewer standing in the center of a four-walled video image is considered to be an artwork of the installation category solidified my opinion on this debate of what standards are associated for this form of art, which is however an artist chooses to utilize the space. 

As for the themes that I wanted to incorporate in my form of installation art I chose; environment, self, and the human experience theme.  The reason is because I enjoy observing my experiences in life and projecting them as an influence into the idea of how humans are so busy that they forget to realize all the things that are in their life, and how so many people are caught up in the technology craze.  For example, I tried to create a unique visual into my routine for work and how this is seen as so mundane for me.  However, if I were to compare this experience to another person’s routine it would not come close to what they see as normal, or common.  Hence, the reason why I chose to take photographs and videos of my bedroom, videos of my feet on the walk to work, the deceased chicken on skewers, and the end result of the night.  Additionally, I attempted convey a sense that my life in general is art, and If I stop to look at my environment it is possible to use creativity to release those endorphins in the brain, naturally of course.  Overall, I used materials that that range from an iPhone, the contrast options of my video elements (to capture my Sideways Walk in the Digital World) and my mind.  Still, I found this project to be difficult because I envisioned my installation to be a theatre-like environment with specific music attached to it, however, I do not have the resources for this; try to use your imagination.   Also, I spun each video and added distortion  to create the thought about how direction and perception can  be altered in life, meaning that it can take a only a few mintues to drastically change a person's life, as well as to convey the thought that I think most people live a world that too much mundane activities. Below, The videos and photographs are set up in a specific order, and SUPPOSED to be projected on a four-walled theatre-like environment with specific music attached.