Responding to Art Work

Guernica by Pablo Picasso

Guernica by Pablo Picasso

1. Use the vocabulary you have learned in class to describe this artwork or performance in detail.
Looking at Guernica by Pablo Picasso, the most obvious observation to me is the color selection of black, white and blue in the painting. The blue is dark in color, which almost appears to be black in certain areas. The starkness of black and white insinuates the use of emphasis and subordination throughout the work. Much of the background is the darker colors of blue and black, while other parts of the painting are white, which stands out. There is also a very specific use of shape, as the people and other figures in the work appear to be drawn/painted in with these shapes that are almost geometrical. The shapes used in the painting also show a sense of movement, which leads the viewer's eyes throughout the artwork.

2. What processes were used to create this work? What social influences might the artist be responding to and why? 
The main influence of this work of art was the Spanish Civil War. This painting was completed by Picasso as a reaction to the bombings done by the Nazis and events of the war. The work shows the tragedies and suffering that happened because of these bombings that killed so many people. The tragedies that are portrayed in the painting took place in the Basque town of Guernica, which is where the name of the work comes from.

3. What is the relationship of this work to the time and society in which it was created? Describe the symbols used to express this relationship.
This painting takes place during the Spanish Civil War, as a reaction to the actions of the Nazis. There is pure sadness, tragedy and suffering in the work, making it successful with the emotions that the viewer feels when looking at this piece. There are facial expressions on several figures throughout the work that give the impression of panic, chaos, and suffering. I do not know any specifics about this piece from prior experiences, although the light in the top and center has been painted in a way that looks as if it is representing the bombings that were happening during this time. The symbolism is very apparent in this painting.

4. Identify elements in the work that evoke a persuasive or emotional response. Be specific about what those responses are and why.
The facial expressions on the figures throughout evoke a very emotional response, as they appear to be very frightened and panic stricken due to the events portrayed here. One aspect of the work that evokes an emotional response is the image of a mother holding her now dead young child, which is located on the left side of the painting.

5. Evaluate what you perceive to be the strengths and weaknesses of the work. Apply discipline specific vocabulary and concepts when describing your point of view. 
I do not perceive any weaknesses in this work, as it is successful in portraying the strong emotions that are meant to be felt when viewing the work.The principle of balance is used, as there are an even number of figures shown throughout the artwork. There is just the right amount of emphasis and movement present in the painting as well.

Responding to AED 200

Questions:

1. What were your expectations for this course and were they met?
My expectations for this course were to learn new concepts and ideas about art that I had not already learned in previous art courses. I had also stated that I expected to expand my knowledge of the art world. The expectations that I had for this course were most definitely met, as I did indeed learn new concepts about art that I did not know before. This course also got me thinking about new ideas with art that I hadn't thought about before.

2. Now that you've been through this course, what is art? How would you define it now compared to your initial posting? 
My definition of art after going through this course would still be that art is a form of expression that can be interpreted in several different ways, however I would also add to that definition now by stating that art is also a form of history, as it is what historians look at to determine important parts of our ancestors. It is all around us, and even on our television screens in movies and televisions shows.

3. Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?
In my original posting, I said that my favorite visual artist was Claude Monet. After going through this course, I would have to say that my favorite visual artist is Georges Seurat. After my visit to the Albright Knox Art Gallery, I found myself very interested in his works and the very unique style of stippling that the artist used throughout his paintings. The subjects of his paintings are also what had me interested, as they are subjects that I enjoy looking at in a work of art. I think there is a difference in my choice of artist here because I have been exposed to more of a wide range of artwork than I had been previously.

4. Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?
Having completed this course, it does not change how I feel about taking an online course. I have taken several online courses throughout being in college, and I have enjoyed them for several reasons.

Video Review

The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art
Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach
An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan

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

Considered to be art that many do not know how to categorize. Not lowbrow art, according to some of these artists. Lowbrow is defined as a person regarded as uncultivated and lacking in taste. This category of art work is basically another style that is very different from that of many other styles that are found in the art world. Some people prefer to categorize their work as ‘lowbrow’ because it describes the style to the point, as it was meant to do. 

In this video, modern art is being discussed. Henry Tate is the individual whom the video’s title is referring to. Modern art shows our values as we move throughout time. 

A museum is never finished. There are constantly new works that fit into a museum’s exhibitions and collections. Philippe de Montebello was the one individual who had come the closest to learning most of the history of art. 

2.Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

This video does not relate to my art exhibition project, because the styles of works are a very different style than that of the works in the exhibition I used. The works in the exhibition I used are of flowers and botanicals, while many of the works shown in this video are of cars, people and several various subjects. 

This video does not relate to my exhibition project, because the style is also very different from that of the exhibition on botanicals. The one similarity between the two that I can see is the use of three dimensional objects within the exhibition.

Because this video discusses a lot about the acquisition of artworks in a museum, it does relate to the exhibition project that I completed. I feel that it relates to the project because it is the process that museums in general go through in acquiring works of art. 

3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

This video gave me a new understanding of the viewpoints of the artists who create this style of artwork. I can understand how these artists want their artwork to be seen as artwork and nothing less.

I felt that I learned more in depth about the subject of modern art as it has developed throughout history. 

 After watching this video, I have a new in depth understanding of the works in museums, as well as what goes into the creation of exhibitions and putting museums together with their works of art.

Art Gallery Visit (Burchfield Penney)

Step 1 Questions:

1. What is the title of the exhibit?

The title of the exhibit is "Burchfield Botanicals"

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

This exhibition is based on the growth of flowers and botanicals.

Step 2 Questions:

1. What type of lighting is used?

The lighting for this exhibit is soft to give the peaceful and calm feeling that comes from viewing the various works of flowers. The lights are spread out throughout so as to give the exhibit enough lighting, but also not overpowering the works being showcased. The remainder of the art gallery has brighter lighting than that of the exhibit I chose to look at.
2. What colors are used on the walls?
The walls of this exhibit are all a soft, muted gray color.
3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space?
Within this exhibit, there are light wood floors to go along with the gray colored walls. Also in this exhibition are several showcases that are encased in glass. There are also walls that have been built to section it off.
4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?
The movement of the viewer through the space is a great sense of movement. The works keep the viewer moving from the beginning of the exhibition towards another room that is also included in it, where it ends.

Step 3 Questions:
1. How are the artworks organized?
Most of the works in this exhibition are on the walls, framed together with the works that are similar.
2. How are the artworks similar?
All of the works have drawings/paintings/sketches of botanicals and flowers.
3. How are the artworks different?
The works of art are different from one another because they are all drawings/sketches/paintings of different flowers, and there are various paintings that are of different groupings and types of flowers.
4. How are the artworks framed?
The artworks throughout the exhibition are framed in similar looking frames to keep a sense of continuity. The frames on all of them are very simple so that they do not take away from that of the works of art.
5. How are the artworks  identified and labeled? 
Next to each work of art is a plaque that tells the viewer the artist, name of the work, medium and year the work was completed. Also on the plaque identifying the works of art tells the purpose of the work if there was a specific one for it.
6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other? 
Some of the artwork is closer to other works, while all of the framed artworks are at least approx 1 foot away. Works that are similar/related to one another are grouped with one another.

Photos:

'Sunflowers' by Charles E. Burchfield (2010)

'Untitled (sunflowers)' by Charles E. Burchfield (1960)

'The White Wings of September' by Charles E. Burchfield (1960)

What did you think of visiting the Gallery and purposefully looking at the exhibition from a different perspective - the physical space, the architecture, theme, etc.?

Going into a new art gallery and really looking at the exhibitions and works, especially from a different perspective. Looking at the exhibition was very interesting also because it felt calming in a sense due to the various works based on flowers. From a more vague viewpoint, this exhibition gives viewers its own lens to look at nature through. 

Additional Photos

Beginning/Entrance of Exhibit

Panoramic Photo of part of Exhibition

Video Review

Videos:

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

Uncertainty: Modernity and Art

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

My reason for choosing to watch Andy Warhol: Images of an Image is because I have seen several works of this artist, but I do not have very much knowledge regarding him as an artist and his works. 

I chose to watch Uncertainty: Modernity and Art because of the title of the video to be honest. The idea of an uncertainty behind something makes it an intriguing topic for me, and I felt that I wanted to learn more about what the topic in the world of art. 

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

The use of screen printing  to create several prints of one picture/photograph, as well as using that technique with a photo of Marilyn Monroe after she had passed away is what had mad Andy Warhol famous. While I have seen this work prior to watching this video, I was unaware that that was how Warhol started to become as famous as he is today. 

The “uncertainty” that is discussed in this video, which I also find interesting is the unknown that lies within a work of art. While we all interpret various works of art differently depending on our experiences and what we like and dislike, there is the sense of the unknown. We can interpret something and talk about what we as viewers THINK a work means, but we do not know for certain what its actual meaning/background is. 

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The Andy Warhol video discusses the works of Andy Warhol and his rise to fame as an artist is the topic of the video, and it is also discussed in the text. We have also read about screen printing in the text, which relates to the video because that is one of Warhol’s forms of artwork which is so popular. 

This video discusses the Greeks and ancient artwork, which has been discussed thoroughly throughout the course, as well as included in the text readings. Not only does this video discuss Greek and ancient art, it also goes into modern day artwork, which is also what we have read about in the text. 

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I think that the Andy Warhol video does a good job showcasing the many famous works of the artist, as well as expanding my knowledge of the artist and his work. I have a better understanding after watching this video.

The video Uncertainty: Modernity and Art video gave me the understanding that art is unpredictable and at times it can be unknown and uncertain. I enjoyed learning about a topic that is so unique compared to the previous videos that I have watched for the course. 

Video Review

Videos:
Matisse and Picasso
Dada and Surrealism

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed.
I chose to watch the Matisse and Picasso video simply because I wanted to learn more about the two artists, especially Matisse who I am not as familiar with as I am more familiar with Picasso.  

I decided to watch the video based on Dada and Surrealism because I am not very familiar with the Dada movement and I felt that I wanted to learn more about it through video. I am more familiar with Surrealism, although I do not know very much about it, so I felt that the video would be a great way to learn more about it.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
From watching this video, I learned that the two artists are very different from one another in the ways that they created works of art, and also in their thoughts and thought processes. I also learned in this video that Picasso eventually became a part of the Cubism movement by creating the first collage work of art.

In this video, I have learned that Kurt Schwitters had began using various different materials to create works of art, using pieces of almost anything that he had found that had been discarded. The Dada movement came about as a reaction to World War I, and I feel that it explains the styles of the works of art that came from the artists who chose to create according to the movement. 

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

This video did a good job increasing my knowledge of the two artists and how they are related to each other in terms of their works of art. 

I feel that this video really added depth to my understanding of the Dada movement and how it eventually turned into Surrealism. I had previously learned about Surrealism, although I have not previously learned about the Dada movement.

Making A Mask

 Questions 

1. Upload the three inspiration images to your Blog (or link to your Photobucket). Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces. 

Inspiration Image 1

Inspiration Image 2

Inspiration Image 3

 I chose these three images as my inspiration pieces for the creation of my mask mostly because of the colors in each of them. I went with my personal taste and decided to use the three masks I liked most as my inspiration. 

2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three inspiration pieces.

The element of color was used in all of the masks that I am using for my inspiration, as well as line and the principle of balance. The first two images include the appearance of hair on them, which was an interesting aspect of the mask that I decided to include on my mask creation. Each mask exhibits the principle of symmetrical balance, because if you look closely at each one, the designs on them mirror one another on each side of the mask. There is also the element of shape present in each inspiration mask, as they have all been made into a different shape. My first image is a mask that is triangular in shape. The second inspiration image is long and ovular in shape, while the third image I chose to use is also oval in shape, but it is more close to the shape of a human face than the rest. 

3. Upload images of your sketches and finished piece.

Thumbnail sketches

Final Mask

                                

4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished work.
In creating my finished mask, I decided to purchase an inexpensive mask already made from the craft store as my starting point. I painted the designs and colors onto the mask and added the additional pieces to it. I used the element of color with the blue, yellow and black in my mask, as those were some of the colors I saw throughout my searching of masks. I also used the element of shape with the shape of the actual mask itself to the shapes of triangles that I painted onto the mask as well. There is also line present in my finished work through the lines of the 'hair' and the lines next to the triangles. 

5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.
I think that my mask has some characteristics of the original masks that I have seen throughout my searching. In creating my mask, I combined designs and characteristics from various masks to create my own version of an African style mask. I did not think it was difficult to find how I wanted to create the mask, but it did require a lot of thought in how to put it all together.