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.