Monday, April 28, 2008
What I've Learned from Art
I really enjoyed learning much of the terminology, because it definitely has changed my outlook and perspective regarding all things in life. A simple painting hanging on the wall is now much more complex, since I can point out things such as, media, tones, hues, line types, lighting and so much more. I like the fact that I am now able to speak about a piece of artwork with the comfort of having an actual understanding of terminology necessary to describe the work I am talking about. This class also opened my eyes to the wide variety of art forms that exist. I never really thought too much about natural art forms, such as earthworks and landscapes in the sense of art before this class. However, after learning about them and seeing the Spiral Jetty for the first time, I became intrigued. I would truly enjoy being able to see this and many other earthworks in person, whereas before I might have missed the opportunity to become knowledgeable about such amazing art forms.
My most memorable experience would definitely have to be my trip to the de Young Museum of San Francisco. It was really nice to see actual paintings, sculptures and other art forms in person, rather than simply from the text. Although I traveled to many wonderful museums in Europe this past winter, the de Young visit was an entirely new experience, since I had now learned the terminology that coincides with the artworks that were hanging before my eyes. I had gained a new appreciation for the artworks, through an understanding of the efforts and time that the artist put forth into creating his or her artwork. The variety of art that the museum offered was also a great, since I was able to view several of the art forms that we learned about over the course of the semester. The beauty of the art was not only seen within the confines of the building, but also emerged beyond the doors to the surrounding gardens and landscaping. The ambiance in itself is a work of art.
Overall, I would definitely say this course has been a wonderful journey through my previous knowledge of art and also in gaining a much greater understanding of the world of art. This has been a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of something I have always shared a passion for, but now am able to grasp a greater liking to the subject in its entirety. My love for art has now gone beyond the surface and reached a level that goes beyond what you see, but rather to an admiration to how the piece is created and the message it might be putting forth. Although it was overwhelming at times, I have truly enjoyed these learning units. Thanks for expanding my knowledge of art!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Conceptual Art
One specific artwork that caught my attention from this week’s lesson was Variability and Repetition of Similar Forms II, by Nancy Graves. I really liked this work because it provoked thought. Before reading the explanation in the book, I tried to gather my own analysis by simply viewing the photograph. With nothing else to base my analysis on, I thought this had something to do with the walking dead. How each living creature is living day to day, but ultimately every life will come to an end. I believe this is conceptual art, since it can provoke a variety of thoughts depending on the viewer and their background. Once I read the artist’s analysis, I discovered these were camel bones. She presented these to show that despite their illogical form, they still survive.
I really enjoy conceptual art, and probably always have. I enjoy looking at things that entice curiosity; leave a little mystery for the viewers, so we too feel like we are needed for the artwork to survive and thrive. Conceptual art is great in the sense that it is limitless. I feel like it is away to let out one’s inner most thoughts in a manner they see presentable for public eyes. It is almost as if you can compare it to an artist’s diary, or dialogue with themselves that they would like to share with the world and then allow it to be scrutinized, analyzed and judged. Conceptual art has no boundaries, which makes it interesting because you never know what to expect. When it comes to conceptual art, you can only expect the unexpected and I truly enjoy that idea.
Art Visit
Monday, April 14, 2008
Two Worlds Collide
Viewing the artwork of Aziz, Cucher, and Keith Cottingham was very interesting. These images represent the same idea of the distorted body image that the world is compelled to conform to. It’s just so easy, you see it and you want to believe it. You want to become it. If they can, then why can’t I? Well, unfortunately these images aren’t realistic. However, they have men and women, young and old, striving to reach a goal that is impossible. It reminds me of the Barbie theory…it would be impossible for a woman to be proportionally alike to Barbie. She wouldn’t be able to live. So, why is it that distorting images is so widely accepted and prevalent in today’s society?
Today, the internet plays a significant role in nearly everything that individuals do. The internet is like the masks that Aziz and Cutcher have created for the individuals in the images. They have no face, just as with internet communication. We are losing our sense of reality and personal contact and being replaced with the computer screen that billions of individuals sit in front of each day. With technology, comes facelessness, just like the people in the series are subjected to. The more reliant people become on these false ideals and faceless communication, the easier it becomes to give up the right to your own identity. The identity of the person behind the text on your screen is merely an idea, when in reality it could be anyone. Do you want to be the words behind the screen or the face that thought them? Are you willing to give up your identity? I believe this is the most powerful message that is being sent. If we allow such things to rule our lives, we become extinct in a way. We lose our right to self. Is that something you are willing to live without? I personally am NOT. I think the message they are trying to send is that we should love the things we have and embrace them because those "flaws" are what make us, US. I am not saying technology is a bad thing. I love the things it allows. Despite that, it does not need to replace who we are. So next time you strive to look like the girl in the magazine, take a step back and ask yourself what you are willing to sacrifice to become that person, because the steps required to become an imaginary figure will be draining, costly, and never-ending since the end result is a figment of the imagination; someone’s idea of perfection that was so perfectly manipulated with several clicks of the mouse. Do you really want to be the person who lives forever behind the screen or rather, the person who embraces the world and the “flaws” that they were gifted with?
Monday, April 7, 2008
My Favorite Painting
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thomas Kinkade..Artist?
A true artist, I believe would have been more cautious with the idea of becoming a “sell-out,” as I believe the Kinkade of the present is. A true artist would not allow his passion to be replaced with a dollar sign. Kinkade has used his religious conviction to falsely portray his works as something more than they are. He uses Christianity as a way of gaining trust and credibility. He portrays his works and actions as a religious opportunity for investors and buyers. These current works of his really are more of the ideas he once values simply recreated by various means, excluding self creation. Yes, it’s true! He does not have any hands on influence in these works that are being massively distributed to millions of people. The Thomas Kinkade that we know today is a master of manipulation and profitability, rather than a master of art. He had allowed his skill and passion to take a back seat to the fast track to stardom. He seeks profit, rather than a true passion for the arts. This is quite evident by the fact that he stopped selling originals, to “punish” people for taking a disliking to the prints that he was streamlining to millions. When profits declined, he held the true art hostage as if to threaten buyers. This is not the ideals of a true artist and moreover the religious man he has so evidently portrayed himself to be.
The man who I have learned of has become a millionaire through fraud, manipulation, and the mass production of works that have a similar liking to those that he once created himself. By looking at his website, one might be swayed to believe him as a genuine artist who has reached financial success through exhibiting a true passion for the artistic ability that he was gifted with. However, it fails to mention the idea of prints, which is what his money-making scheme has been based upon. Yes, I believe to an extent, print making is a wonderful idea, since it allows for art to reach a wider audience. However, I feel as if Kinkade has tried to hide this major detail in the hopes of making more money. I feel that his passion for art has ceased and been replaced with a decision to become a businessman with a passion for greed.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Analyze That!!
Irises in Monet's Garden by Claude Monet definitely caught my attention. The use of expressive lines gives the image a loose, free feeling which is very realistic to the natural environment being portrayed. The lack of outlines and contour lines allows for this idea that the objects are freely moving, implying a sense of vulnerability to the wind or breeze the may arise on any given day. In this painting, Monet uses many different tints and shades of secondary colors. The cool colors used to depict the irises are very soothing to the eye and make the garden appear quite inviting. Monet uses a warmer color to depict the path through the garden which appears to lead to a vanishing point on the right side of the image. Atmospheric perspective is represented in the image where the image becomes blurrier or less distinct as it approaches the vanishing point. The hues are much cooler in this area compared to the darker shades of flowers at the point in which the path is first shown at the lower left corner of the painting. This area appears to have much more distinct contrasts between light and dark as compared to the area surrounding the vanishing point along the path. The overall lighting gives the appearance of the sun approaching the horizon, since the overall coloring is a warmer hue, rather than a washed out white that would appear if the sun was high above the horizon or a shadow-less image that would appear if the sun had already set below the horizon. A sense of texture is evident in Monet’s brushstrokes since the different hues are freely arranged and overlap throughout the painting. This arrangement of the irises also gives them a sense of motion, just as if they were freely blowing in the wind. All in all, Monet created a visually appealing masterpiece through the careful use of many of the concepts we have learned over the course of the semester. In my eyes, the most appealing factors were the use of motion, light and color which brought this image to life.