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!