AED 200 Blog: Art Gallery Visit (Albright Knox)

For my first art gallery visit I went to the Albright Knox Art Gallery and explored the artwork. Here are my findings.

A. Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?

"Danseuse au Cafe" by Jean Metzinger (1912)

This work makes an impact on me because of the geometric shapes that go in to the painting to make up the focal point of the work – the dancer and the patron. I like that the majority of the painting includes a color palette that is on the dull side, but yet there are areas throughout the painting with pops of bright colors making it more visually interesting to look at. The green of the cloak on the dancer, and the black and white diamond pattern brings the eye to the dancer, making the dancer the focal point of the painting. I felt so interested in this painting.

"Study for Le Chahut" by Georges Seurat (1889)

The approach that Seurat has taken with this painting made it so interesting to look at for me. With the stippling throughout the entire work, yet a very clear painting of dancers and a musician, I was amazed at the detail in this work. The musician on the bottom of the painting, in the middle is darker than the rest of the painting, which leads my eyes there, yet also to the dancers with the skirts being much lighter. The contrast of colors used throughout this painting takes the eyes on a journey throughout.

B. Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

"Tempest in Red" by Sandra Cinto (2009)

I felt a connection with this work of art because of the mixed media used. The use of the permanent pen is what made me feel a connection with this work of art because I have found that I enjoy creating art with permanent pen as well. The lines throughout the work of art created the feel of waves and rain in an ocean and unpredictable weather, which is very much like life at times.

"Wall Drawing #1268: Scribbles: Staircase" by Sol Lewitt (2006)

This work is very unique, which was one reason I felt a connection to it. On three walls leading up to the second floor of the art gallery, there is a graphite drawing done strictly with scribbles. The scribbles that create the work are so consistent that it looks like it could not have been possibly done by a person, which amazed me. The use of graphite also made me feel connected to the work of art because graphite is so commonly used in sketching and drawing.

C. Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?

"Contact" by Ali Banisadr (2013)

I would like to know more about this work of art because of everything that is going on throughout the work. There is so much to the painting that makes it very interesting to look at. Unlike other paintings I found interesting, this does not have a focal point, leading the eyes to look at the whole painting. What I would like to know is where the inspiration for this painting came from. I found the bright colors and motion conveyed throughout the work making me think that I was looking at a fight between animals almost. Because it is so abstract, I realize that there are countless ways to interpret it, which makes it all the more interesting.

"der Morgenthau Plan" by Anselm Kiefer (1987)

I would like to know more about this work of art because of the unique style that Anselm Kiefer brings to the work. In comparison with the other Kiefer works that I saw at the gallery, this painting seemed to take on a brighter tone/mood to it. Other works seemed to have a darkness to them, which makes me curious to know more about the inspiration behind this painting as opposed to the others that I saw. The heavy painting creates a strong texture, making it so visually interesting to look at.

AED 200 Blog