Jackson Pollock, Number 1, 1950 (Lavender Mist),1950, National Gallery of Art, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1976.37.1
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
POST #9 Abstract Expressionism
Abstract expressionism was a movement that became relevant during the mid-1940's. Painters such as Jackson Pollock used action painting to create large abstract works of splatter paint on giant canvas'. The emotion behind such works gave excitement to the American art scene by the way the colors and movements in creating the pieces were used. Ideally, America is known as the "land of the free" and I would like to think that abstract expressionism helped mold this idea of freedom through art by allowing artists to break the mold of shape and color. In certain pieces, Jackson Pollock tried to portray violence. I believe he was trying to show how violent Americans can be at times. He showed passion and energy. For example, in his piece "Lavender Mist" (1950) the tiny black striations help produce a dark tone to the overall piece that in my opinion shows American hypocrisy. It also is dusted with pink highlights that represent so called "american freedom".
POST #10 MUSEUM PAPER
Gutai: Splendid Playground at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
We as humans are constantly asking ourselves: Who am I? Art is a language which helps us answer this question of identity. Art opens up a dialogue not only with others but with ourselves. It answers questions on individual identity, cultural identity, and of the era in which the art was produced in. The Japanese avant garde Gutai movement is a great example of Art acting as a language. Founded in 1954, the Gutai group sought to break down barriers between art, the public, and everyday life (Tiampo). Of the many works of art produced in the Gutai period, Motonaga Sadamasa’s “Work (Water)” (1956), invites us into a conversation of identity. Displayed now at The Guggenheim for the Gutai: Splendid Playground exhibit, Sadamasa’s installation features polyethylene tubes filled with colored water that cascade in the rotunda. The tubes and water are reflective of the natural light that spills in from the Guggenheim’s skylight. I believe Sadamasa uses water as a medium because it is formless. The installation hangs perfectly in the space, as opposed to being on the wall or floor, because it allows for the eye to travel upward, giving viewers a sense of imagination and freedom. The bright colors are playful and entice the viewer’s creativity. Themes of independence and imagination correlate to the piece being created in post-war Japan. Having been freed from totalitarian rule, Japanese Gutai artists challenged viewers to think for themselves.
Also on display at the Guggenheim is Atsuko Tanaka’s “Electric Dress” (1956) which offers us insight on the artist’s individual identity as a female. The dress is a bright and bulging display made up of lights of different shapes and colors. The dress flickers and illuminates like neon signs. Electric cords intertwine with each other, reminiscent of roots from a tree or veins in the human body. It is a contradiction that draws the viewer’s attention with bright lights but also hides the form. The shapelessness of the piece challenges viewers on the traditional role of a female. Overall the piece is a statement on the artist as a woman living in a consumer revolution of the modern world (Stone).
Many Gutai artist dealt with the cultural identity, offering a new take on Japanese calligraphy (Tiampo). Akira Kanayama’s “Ashiato” (1956) was a piece in which the artist imprinted his footprints with black ink onto a long white cloth, reminiscent of a scroll. When it was installed in a park in 1956, the artist added a dynamic approach by hanging the cloth onto trees, changing the linear path of the footprints. Instead of using a brush, the artist uses his own feet, breaking the barrier between art and artist.
Saburo Murakami’s “Passing Through” (1956) portrays the violent historical identity that is essential in Gutai art. Originally performed in 1956, Murakami bursts through twenty-one paper screens, collapsing at its conclusion. The artist was inspired by his two year old son, who after receiving punishment, burst through a traditional Japanese paper screen (“Gutai”). Through this forceful act, the artist converses with the audience, explaining the violence of World War II. His collapse at the end is a metaphor for the exhaustion and pain caused by war.
The Gutai movement was important in breaking down ideas of art. By challenging mediums, sound, and space, Gutai artists helped give a new definition to art. Art can be whatever you make it, but it is overall a language. Art helps us communicate with the artist, cultures, and history.
1. Atsuko Tanaka
“Electric Dress”
Enamel paint on light bulbs, electric cords, and control console
1956 (Reconstructed 1986)
2. Akira Kanayama
“Ashiato”
Paint on plastic sheets
1956
3. Saburo Murakami’s
“Passing Through”
Performance, 42 Kraft paper
October 11-17, 1956
Works Cited
"Gutai." Gutai: Painting with Time and Space. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2013. <http://www.nipponlugano.ch/en/gutai/index.html>.
Stone, Katie. "The Brooklyn Rail." Electrifying Art: Atsuko Tanaka. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2013. <http://www.brooklynrail.org/2004/10/artseen/electrifying-art-atsuko-tanaka-1954>.
Tiampo, Ming. "Gutai: Splendid Playground." Gutai: Splendid Playground. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.
<http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/exhibitions/on-view/gutai-splendid-playground>.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
BLOG POST #8- BASQUIAT
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an influential artist who bridged cultural gaps and brought a new meaning to Puertorican and African art.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
"The Nile"
Arylic and oil
Paintstick on canvas
1983
Jean-Michel Basquiat
"Dos Cabezas"
Acrylic and crayon on canvas
1982
Jean-Michel Basquiat
"Untitled (scull)"
Acrylic and crayon on canvas
1981
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Painting vs Photography: POST #6
Photography was a new medium to express the way we view the world. In the 19th century, painters were worried that their paintings would no longer be appreciated or wanted as "chemical photography" was being introduced but photography in retrospect made us appreciate composition that would help further different aspects of painting such as different ways of shading. It also helped appreciate abstraction. With the abundance of realism, abstraction became more exciting.
There are many differences between photography and painting. Before photography, painting was the only way to capture a visual and preserve it. It was more imagination based rather than realism.
They both contribute to aesthetics differently. For example, with painting we can use acrylic paint and show a 2 dimensional piece you can express it more symbolically as opposed to realistic. example: painting a sky that is normally blue; red to express anger. In photography, we can express this same notion realistically by manipulating the camera to change the objective and producing an expressionistic style.
While painters require the use of understanding composition and color, they also need to understand hand and eye coordination to be in control of the brush being used while painting. On the other hand, photographers need to understand how to use different lenses and filters.
Photography has greatly influenced how we view paintings. It has showed us different lighting aspects and objectives that can be used for things in painting such as shading. Photography helped us capture and manipulate reality rather then objectively looking at something and painting it.
Annie Leibovitz b
"Keith Haring, New York City"
C-type print
1986
(The Photobook, Phaidon)
There are many differences between photography and painting. Before photography, painting was the only way to capture a visual and preserve it. It was more imagination based rather than realism.
They both contribute to aesthetics differently. For example, with painting we can use acrylic paint and show a 2 dimensional piece you can express it more symbolically as opposed to realistic. example: painting a sky that is normally blue; red to express anger. In photography, we can express this same notion realistically by manipulating the camera to change the objective and producing an expressionistic style.
While painters require the use of understanding composition and color, they also need to understand hand and eye coordination to be in control of the brush being used while painting. On the other hand, photographers need to understand how to use different lenses and filters.
Photography has greatly influenced how we view paintings. It has showed us different lighting aspects and objectives that can be used for things in painting such as shading. Photography helped us capture and manipulate reality rather then objectively looking at something and painting it.
"Keith Haring, New York City"
C-type print
1986
(The Photobook, Phaidon)
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Why Ancient Art Now?: Post #2
Throughout time, history and art have both coincided with each other. There may not be a specific answer as to why we study ancient civilizations and architecture that no longer exist but as centuries past the items left behind are great influences for the way we see art today.
In class, we watched "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" via youtube it showed how statues such as The Colossus of Rhodes was built through leadership. What we learn from statues such as this one is that art is a story and that we can utilize these stories to better understand our history as a whole. Statues also made way for portraits that we see a lot today by many artists.
To imagine that at one point, art was created once by simple things such as water plants and sheets referred to as Papyrus is quite the amazing accomplishment given by the Egyptians during their time. They depicted goddesses and gods as symbols of social hierarchy.
Pyramids were an important influence in Egyptian art and history. Egyptians were highly skilled in architecture and built them out of limestone. Slaves were forced to move heavy blocks into placement with little or no pay. These pyramids were so skillfully crafted that they withstood the age of time. Not always were these pyramids built precisely. The video showed how The Pyramids of Giza were "trial and error" when it came to construction. Pyramids were built as tombs for Pharaohs who were viewed as gods during their time. There are many artists today that have taken the influence of pyramids and have modernized them such as Ieoh Ming Pei's "Louvre Pyramid" located in Paris, France.
Ancient Art is not only important when it comes to art today but also culturally significant. With each generation, we find ourselves growing and shifting from everything from laws to language spoken. If we do not know where we have come from, we cannot move forward with becoming individualized people. It's similar to fashion and how clothes can be worn popularly in the 70's and then again in the 90's.
In class, we watched "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" via youtube it showed how statues such as The Colossus of Rhodes was built through leadership. What we learn from statues such as this one is that art is a story and that we can utilize these stories to better understand our history as a whole. Statues also made way for portraits that we see a lot today by many artists.
To imagine that at one point, art was created once by simple things such as water plants and sheets referred to as Papyrus is quite the amazing accomplishment given by the Egyptians during their time. They depicted goddesses and gods as symbols of social hierarchy.
Pyramids were an important influence in Egyptian art and history. Egyptians were highly skilled in architecture and built them out of limestone. Slaves were forced to move heavy blocks into placement with little or no pay. These pyramids were so skillfully crafted that they withstood the age of time. Not always were these pyramids built precisely. The video showed how The Pyramids of Giza were "trial and error" when it came to construction. Pyramids were built as tombs for Pharaohs who were viewed as gods during their time. There are many artists today that have taken the influence of pyramids and have modernized them such as Ieoh Ming Pei's "Louvre Pyramid" located in Paris, France.
Ancient Art is not only important when it comes to art today but also culturally significant. With each generation, we find ourselves growing and shifting from everything from laws to language spoken. If we do not know where we have come from, we cannot move forward with becoming individualized people. It's similar to fashion and how clothes can be worn popularly in the 70's and then again in the 90's.
Ieoh Ming Pei's "Louvre Pyramid"
Paris, France
Picture taken: 2012
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Louvre_Pyramid.jpg
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Arches: Post #5
There is a lot to be learned from the differences in Roman and Gothic Arches. Two simple differentiations to the naked eye, such as the pointed arch in Gothic style and the rounded in Roman arches have been formed from two larger meanings all stemming from religion. The foundation wasn’t only stone or other elements but it was funded by the money of the people who lived in the area and partially from the church. This fueled a legacy that we look back on today with great honor.
Roman Arches were infamous for also using barrel vaults which allowed for the space to be made from stone. Since the stone was heavy, the walls had to be extremely thick in order for them not to collapse. This meant that Roman churches were often dim. This coincided with the fact that Catholicism was normally held in secrecy.
Gothic style arches began in France. The idea was to bring in “god’s light” into the church. These walls were much more delicate than the walls previously made by the Romans. Flying Buttresses were used to help take pressure off of the roof. This meant that the walls of the churches being built could be taller and thinner. Elevation increase also allowed for more placement when it came to windows.
There are many specific differences between Gothic and Roman style arches. Gothic styled arches were blunted and tall spires. They also had glass that was stained and since the windows were much larger, this allowed for more light to enter the church. This shifted the mood of the church that had once been dim and gloomy. It seemed as though the “light of god” could now be seen clearly. The Romans had previously had blunt towers and were far more round.
Religion was responsible for many aspects of architecture in Gothic styled arches. The newly formed pointed arches that created large scale windows attracted tourism and this helped bring people from all of the world to the church. The way we looked at religion and architecture would forever be changed because of something as simple as a pointed arch.
Roman Arches were infamous for also using barrel vaults which allowed for the space to be made from stone. Since the stone was heavy, the walls had to be extremely thick in order for them not to collapse. This meant that Roman churches were often dim. This coincided with the fact that Catholicism was normally held in secrecy.
Gothic style arches began in France. The idea was to bring in “god’s light” into the church. These walls were much more delicate than the walls previously made by the Romans. Flying Buttresses were used to help take pressure off of the roof. This meant that the walls of the churches being built could be taller and thinner. Elevation increase also allowed for more placement when it came to windows.
There are many specific differences between Gothic and Roman style arches. Gothic styled arches were blunted and tall spires. They also had glass that was stained and since the windows were much larger, this allowed for more light to enter the church. This shifted the mood of the church that had once been dim and gloomy. It seemed as though the “light of god” could now be seen clearly. The Romans had previously had blunt towers and were far more round.
Religion was responsible for many aspects of architecture in Gothic styled arches. The newly formed pointed arches that created large scale windows attracted tourism and this helped bring people from all of the world to the church. The way we looked at religion and architecture would forever be changed because of something as simple as a pointed arch.
Marissa
Top: "Gothic Arch
Bottom: "Roman Arch"
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Ancient Greece- Post #4
We can begin by saying that although Egyptian art was based more off of religious factors, the Greeks oriented more towards the Philosophical aspects of art. Unlike the non-emotional statues created by Egyptian sculptors, Greeks explored human anatomy and facial expression which are very important to art concepts in today's world. Egyptian sculptures had large heads overdone faces with no expression and Greek's focused heavily on the "perfect body". They explored the naked body as it embodied beauty in their eyes.
Greek art explored many concepts of life. They began what is known today as "Classical Art" which is connected to geometry and symmetry. One great example of this can be found in the text on page 93. "Podeison or Zeus". It showed Greek interest in being able to study athletes practicing in gyms.
The most important aspect to remember about Greek art is that it focused on Humanism and the glorification of man. It enhanced unity within man even though they were to be depicted as "gods". These sculptures were for the benefit of man.
I believe that politically, we owe plenty to Greek art as it was the first democracy depicted in time over 4000 years ago. Since these large sculptures were for public display and government sponsored this gave average citizens sense of pride within their communities. I believe many artists today, such as graffiti writers who bomb subway platforms are motivated by Greek Art without knowing. Being able to send a message throughout a community is what the Greeks did during their time and what many graffiti writers do throughout ours as well.
A History of Western Art by Laurie Schneider Adams
Pg.93
Poseidon or Zeus, found in the sea off Cape Artemision, c. 450 B.C.
Bronze, 6ft, 10 1/4 inch.
Greek art explored many concepts of life. They began what is known today as "Classical Art" which is connected to geometry and symmetry. One great example of this can be found in the text on page 93. "Podeison or Zeus". It showed Greek interest in being able to study athletes practicing in gyms.
The most important aspect to remember about Greek art is that it focused on Humanism and the glorification of man. It enhanced unity within man even though they were to be depicted as "gods". These sculptures were for the benefit of man.
I believe that politically, we owe plenty to Greek art as it was the first democracy depicted in time over 4000 years ago. Since these large sculptures were for public display and government sponsored this gave average citizens sense of pride within their communities. I believe many artists today, such as graffiti writers who bomb subway platforms are motivated by Greek Art without knowing. Being able to send a message throughout a community is what the Greeks did during their time and what many graffiti writers do throughout ours as well.
A History of Western Art by Laurie Schneider Adams
Pg.93
Poseidon or Zeus, found in the sea off Cape Artemision, c. 450 B.C.
Bronze, 6ft, 10 1/4 inch.
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