MOD 16 Blog

1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met?

My expectations for the course were met. I was able to learn more about art fundamentals. This gave me a better unit of analysis when appreciating art.

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your intial posting?

I would take a similar stance that I did in my initial posting. Art is a form of expression. It can represent tactile or imaginary ideas. It uses a range of mediums and can be presented in numerous ways. Art can basically be almost anything that can be enjoyed, thought provoking, and transcended through time.

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?

 I do not believe I put a favorite artist. My favorite artist is Monet and it has not changed. I love that style, I am fascinated with it.

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?

My answer is the same. It works great with my busy hockey schedule. 

Mod 15 Blog - Self Portrait blog

    Yoo, Geun Taek, 1999, "Self Portrait," Black-ink and conte, gouache, powder of white on korean paper
   Vincent van Gogh, 1889, "Self Portrait," oil on canvas
    Edvard Munch, 1904, "Self Portrait with Brushes, 













1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?

I really enjoyed the quick brushstrokes and style.



2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?

It was easy to fix any mistakes. Pencil was the best medium for the project.

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?



4. How does this piece represent you?

This is me with one of my favorite hockey memories. My team won the Sutherland Cup in the GOJHL.

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?

Lines and emphasis. Lines create the work, the emphasis on the trophy, face, and logo illustrate the important pieces of the work. 

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?

I am not good at drawing, but choosing a good photo to recreate helped me enjoy it a bit more.


7. What do you think of your final artwork?

It represents me and the moment the way that I wanted it too. 

I used Google Art for the photos of the famous artists self portraits.

Art Curation Reflection Blog

Reflection:

The process was much more involved that I truly ever thought. The amount of effort and careful consideration that art curators must do when creating an exhibit is paramount in creating a successful exhibition. Every little detail matters whether it involves the space, lighting, choices of artworks, organization of art, etc.

Learning about this got me pretty excited to do this project. I bounced around with a few ideas for my theme. The first was urban lifestyle in the 20th century. I decided to go with a war theme and use it to track artist's depictions of war over the past centuries. The artworks illustrated how there are a few different ways that artists generally depict war scenes:

1. Romanticized
2. Brutal & Bloody
3. Dark & Desperate
4. Energetic Propaganda 

The way that war is depicted still carries the moral weight with it. I am happy that I chose to do this theme because it was quite enlightening 

Module 13/14: Video Blog Review

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

Lowdown on Lowbrow:

• Lowbrow is a new take on surrealism
• Lowbrow is not surrealism 
• Lowbrow takes guts and is all inclusive
• Found in sign paintings and advertising
• Lowbrow came around the early 60's especially in South California
• Drawing was a big deal, understand the basics
• More open to women that an other movement in art history
• Lowbrow and comic books share a common thread

New Tate Modern:

• Tate Modern in England has brought back the culture to the old industrial city
• Holds modern and contemporary art
• Divided the art world and created much controversy
• The young tend to struggle with contemporary art, sometimes it's the exact opposite
• Tate is the most visited contemporary museum in the world
• Vanity is culturally changing within society 
• Tate includes performance art, pushes the boundaries of what is considered art
• Art is always evolving

An Acquiring Mind:

• Sometimes, areas of collection must be reviewed and augmented
• Collections may even take pride in including art this is disliked
• Photography is also included 
• Much goes into the selection of a collection for a gallery
• Sculptures are also considered for how they are staged
• Curators will spent an unbelievable sum of money to obtain works that they consider are needed for their collection
• Some acquisitions can be varied or thematic where each collection within a gallery creates a different change based upon geography, timeline, themes, etc.

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

The last video applies to my project. It helps me to understand the importance of a theme and how it can alter the viewer's interpretation of the work. The Lowbrow video helped me understand what creates a following for a particular style of art. This can be considered when deciding on a theme for the project. The second video aids in deciding what route to take on the type of art that I want to choose. Some viewers may not enjoy what you put in your collection. You have to decide on what matters the most to you and what you want your collection to do for the viewer.

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?

I enjoyed the Lowbrow video the most. It was very interesting and actually quite fun. The Tate video was also interesting. The last video was by far my least favorite, but it did help me with the art project the most. The Tate video also helped, but I was more interested in the old building rather than the artwork. 

Module 12: Video Blog Review

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

I have been of fan of Andy Warhol's work. Choosing that video was easy. The subject of uncertainty in art intrigued me so I made that my second choice. 

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

Andy Warhol:

• Warhol is the leader in Pop Art
• He died in 1986, he always to be a tap dancer
• He worked in advertising first
• Monroe's face made Warhol famous
• He used screen printing
• Also published his own magazine 
• Silk screen can take away or emphasize parts of the human face 
• Warhol took the death of others and made money off of it
• Warhol used death as a main theme over and over

Uncertainty:

• It is a burning issue of humanity 
• Society is defined by change in modern society
• Reality is always collisions of different points of view
• Abstract art comes across differently to non-artists
• It really just tests out modern changes in societies in what a person can understand or think about it
• You must do something, but you are guided by nothing

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

The videos relate to the text quite well. The videos expand on the text. It is very apparent how the ideas behind art truly changed during the 20th century. The values of art and the mindsets of artists were changed by how society would react. Nothing would be quite the same. The use of screen printing and Pop Art represented the culture. Interpretations of Abstract art depict the changing principles underlying society by what someone can see in an abstract work.

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

I said this before, but these might have been my two favorite videos. They added depth in ways that the other videos could not previously do. The reason for this is quite strange; the music in the videos made it very easy to get in tune and dialed into the purpose. I could truly understand what was in question. 

Art Gallery Visit #2

Step 1: The Exhibition

Questions about the exhibit:

1. What is the title of the exhibit?

There were a couple of exhibits at the Burchfield Penney Art Gallery including: The Birthday Party: a Community of Artists, HERE!, and My First Exhibition: 50 Years with Charles E. Burchfield. 

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

The Birthday Party was centered on a group of artists that knew each other and their works. HERE! was work by people of Buffalo or of Buffalo. The last one was Burchfield's nature artworks. 

Step 2: The Gallery

Questions about the physical space:

1. What type of lighting is used?

Birthday Party exhibit was very dim with track lighting focused on the artworks only. HERE! and the Burchfield exhibit were much brighter.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

The gallery used white, light gray, dark gray, and even a sage green on the walls.

3. What materials are used in the interior architecture of the space?

Stainless steel and wood were prevalent throughout the gallery. The entire gallery had a wood floor. 

4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space?

The gallery pulled the viewer through the space by large lettering on the walls to draw the viewer towards it. After that, the shape of the rooms and partition walls guided the viewer as the viewer transitioned from one artwork to the next.

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:

1. How are the artworks organized?

Some of the art was placed near each other and could almost be viewed simultaneously. Other parts of the gallery had the work spaced out and allowed the viewer to focus in on one piece.

2. How are the artworks similar?

The Birthday Party all had lots of people in many of the works. HERE! all dealt with Buffalo or the people of Buffalo. Burchfield's work is centered around nature and psychedelic colors.

3. How are the artworks different?

Some of the art was photography, paintings, or sculptures. They differed in technique, colors, lighting, and size.

4. How are the artworks framed?

Some were wrapped around wood frames. Others had very minimal, modern frames; contrasting ones had ornate, intricate frames.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

They are identified to the right by a small white card providing the title, artist, date, type of art, and how it was acquired.

6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?

This differed throughout the gallery. Some walls only had one painting with the corresponding sketches. Other walls had artworks spread by only a few inches or couple of feet. 

Art Criticism Exercise:

Artwork #1

Walter R Garver, Broadway, 1970, oil on board

1.   Be receptive - Keep an open mind.  Look for what is good.  No put-downs allowed.

2.   Description – Describe what you see.  (subject matter)?

There is a woman walking on the sidewalk. She is walking in front of a building with large windows, possibly a store. It looks like it might be closed or vacant.

3.   Formal analysis – (form)  What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

Color is evident by the detail it adds to the painting. Texture is shown by the sidewalk and paint cracks. Movement by the angle of the lines as she is walking away from the viewer.

4.  Bracketing - Is there anything in or about this work that reminds you of anything else? Do you see any symbols, metaphors, or allegories?  (iconography)

The building looks vacant and alone, much like the woman in the painting.

5.  Interpretation - (content)  What do you think the artist was trying to say?

Buffalo was in a decline at this time in history. The woman much represents the city, alone and only with her shadow of what she once used to be. 

Artwork #2

Virginia Cuthbert, Parc Monceau--Pris, 1976-1977, oil on canvas

 1.   Be receptive - Keep an open mind.  Look for what is good.  No put-downs allowed.

2.   Description – Describe what you see.  (subject matter)?

Large group of people in a park with some foliage near the walkway.

3.   Formal analysis – (form)  What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

Colors, lines, unity, and movement combine to bring the viewer through the work. The viewer notices the emphasis on the people while nature is blurred more.

4.  Bracketing - Is there anything in or about this work that reminds you of anything else? Do you see any symbols, metaphors, or allegories?  (iconography)

The people bring life to the frozen park, they are the warmth.

5.  Interpretation - (content)  What do you think the artist was trying to say?

Nature at times is very bitter and cold. The people of the community have the ability to bring an area back to life in such times.

Artwork #3

Charles E. Burchfield, November Storm, 1950, watercolor on paper

 1.   Be receptive - Keep an open mind.  Look for what is good.  No put-downs allowed.

2.   Description – Describe what you see.  (subject matter)?

There is a tree next to a field with a tree in the distance. The leaves are no longer on the branches and there is snow on the ground.

3.   Formal analysis – (form)  What principles and elements were used and how are they used?

Emphasis on the foreground tree is evident. Movement gives a sense of wind in the painting. Color is used to show the muted tones of a winter scene with the very dead landscape.

4.  Bracketing - Is there anything in or about this work that reminds you of anything else? Do you see any symbols, metaphors, or allegories?  (iconography)

The colors and brush strokes are muted and symbolizes the iciness of nature in a early winter storm. 

5.  Interpretation - (content)  What do you think the artist was trying to say?

The artist was trying to accurately depict a winter scene and capture the emotion behind it. 

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.?

It really changed my viewing experience of the artwork. My perspective changed because I was not just only viewing the art, but how the gallery decided to display it. It is evident that the way the art is displayed, that the way the viewer will perceive the art will be altered.

Module 11: Video Review

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

Expressionism and cubism appeal to me. I chose these videos in order to learn more about them in greater detail.

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

Expressionism:

• In the past, expressionism caused outrage in addition to acclaim
• Expressionism depicts emotion rather than just reality
• Women were now shown in demonic and sexual ways in low-key ways
• Expressionism can explain life to the viewer in way that art could not previously accomplish
• Some paintings were referred to not even have a subject
• They can forecast impending doom of social issues to wars
• Placement of figures and brush strokes show much about the expressionism paintings
• Textures also play a part of representing expressionism

Cubism:

• Picasso was a leader of the movement
• subjects are constructed and reconstructed
• collage is sometimes part of the art and pattern of cubism
• Titles of the work is extremely important to the work, even if it satirical 
• View the style, not the content sometimes is a good way to view cubism

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

The videos went into better detail than the text; at least in regards to particular artist and communities. Examples of this include cubism with Picasso and the one painting of cubism of the Englishman in Moscow. The explanations of the art is phenomenal in the films compared to the text. The text is a bit more bland when talking about expressionism and cubism.

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

These were my favorite films that I have watched so far--maybe tied with the architecture videos. These forms of art are so interesting and diverse. The films explained so much about particular artists and how the art transformed. They were fantastic.

Module 10: Mask Project

1. Upload the three (3) inspiration images to your Blog (or link to your Photobucket account). Explain why you selected the inspiration pieces.

I like the idea of a mask representing an animal.

The feathers add a lot of detail to the mask.

The hairlike aspects make the mask standout from others.

2. Include the analysis and description (art criticism steps) of the three (3) inspiration pieces.

The first two use color and form in order to depict an animal. The last one's use of texture really displays a human beard.

3. Upload images of your sketches and finished piece.

4. Explain how you used the Elements and Principles in your finished mask.

Lines, form, emphasis and color were very important for this mask. The form and emphasis is apparent in the way that the nose protrudes from the mask. The lines and color create the hair and mane of the lion. 

5. Share your opinion of your finished mask and what you thought about creating the mask.

I dislike any art/craft based project. This was surprisingly not as bad as I thought it would be though. 

Module 10: Video Review

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

I chose Buddhism and Hinduism because these are art forms that I have barely ever learned about before. I have been exposed to Chinese and African art before. 

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

Buddhism:

• The gateway is extremely important to the temple
• Extinguish all desires of pleasure and recognition in order to become enlightened
• Sanchi, India was a center of art and architecture
• Stone were carved like wood in the temple
• One must always walk clockwise
• Glued wood pressed together allows for the unobstructed view of the Buddha 

Hinduism:

• Removal of pain is a concept of the festival
• We will all arrive at the same place  
• Rocks were scattered around as a form of art
• The architecture was taken from the village shrine and expanded upon
• Split statues symbolize different types of people
• The religion does not seek people to join

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

The text expands on the videos. The video shows more about the way of life and religion of the community/religion. The book focuses mostly on the details of the architecture and art of the civilization. 

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

The films were informative. I wish there was more about the art and architecture; less about the culture. The art was much more interesting to me than the culture. 

Module 9 Video Blog Review

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

I chose the Albrecht Durer and Valazquez without any real reason this time. I just wanted to learn about something I did not know anything about.

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

Albrecht Durer:

• Already adept at portraits at the age of 19
• Married a 15 year old and sketched her
• He claimed that other artists threatened his life
• His style changed over the years
• Triangles, circles, and squares were used to make portraits
• He may have had a vain motive with his works
• He was a nobody home, but a nobleman were he was; he was honored when he returned home actually
• He even tried new techniques

Velazquez:

• The face and hand of Carlos showed a political view at the age of 27 years old
• He had one love and one friend
• He based many of his works on previous ages and of other artists
• He represents artlessness and nature
• Subjects appear fixed through motion, but emotionally moving
• Very little interest in color
• Looked at people while he painted them, he blurred lines instead of sharp lines

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

The videos relate to the book in the time period that the book is explaining. Portraits of families and royalty were common. Also, religious renditions were made around this period. There are many of differences between how artists portray their subjects in how they use light, color, and details.

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

I thought the videos were good. They were short, sweet and to the point. They offered many interesting insights into the artists personal lives that I never would have known about them. 

Module 9: Hand Drawing Project

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?

It was very different. Something that you use everyday, you never tend to put so much effort into the details of your hands.

2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?

I used pencil. It was more accessible and easy to use; also, a lot less messy.

3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?

That portion of the project was so awkward with the non-dominant hand.

4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?

I think they were successful studies. The general shapes were similar, but the amount of detail in the dominant hand was better than the non-dominant hand drawing.

5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?

I would never want to use my non-dominant hand if I didn't have to the rest of my life.

Module 8: Video Review Blog

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure because since I was a child, I always enjoyed the Greek culture. Everything from their architecture to art fascinated me. This video seemed to be a good complement to the first video.

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

BBC How Art Made The World 1 - More Human Than Human:

• The human body is one, if not the most, captivating to the brain. 
• All of the most influential human forms have one thing in common, they are unrealistically emphasized
• Modern human beings have been around for about 150,000 years; only about 80,000 years ago was any style of art created; only within the last 30,000 years has the human body been recreated exaggerating the same things
• Some forms are more important to the human brain while others are completely ignored
• Egyptian artists show each feature of the human body in its clearest form
• Fingers of Egyptian art were uniform in length
• Ancient Greeks had extreme focus on aesthetic physiques
• Greeks believed that their Gods had human bodies
• The exaggeration is found to be hardwired in our brains, even if some cultures suppressed it
• The body was broken into opposed and complementing each other through dividing the body into quarters

The Measure of All Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure:

• Greece has changed everything relative to art, architecture, and philosophy
• Greeks tried to use emotion in their art
• 6th century Greece entered into the realm of depicting realism and shift away from Egyptian-like body forms
• Greeks did not do much with painting, they preferred sculptures and pottery
• Greeks banned females from sport, but this was not the case regarding the female art form
• Greek sculptures were able to depict the human form at rest as well in motion
• Ideal body is more import than the actual body in Greek art
• This has even influenced humans in the 21st century

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

The videos gloss over what the text provides. A primary example is the female figure known as Venus.  The text goes back into history to show were ancient art and ideas of the human body began. The videos also give the reader more information and a better understanding of what the ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, were trying to do with the human body in regards to art. The two videos adequately explain the shift between stylized art and realistic art--Greece being the impetus for that change. They also explain that although realism is the term we use, the Greeks over exaggerate the human body. These kind of thoughts of the ideal human form have been passed on and are still with us today.

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

I thought the films for this topic were superb. I am biased because of my inclination to like Greek history. The two videos were very good at describing the timeline in which art transformed from two-dimensional stylized forms to three-dimensional realistic bodies. This connection was the most important for me. I understand how and why these ancient civilizations created the art (sculptures and paintings) the way that they did. The human body is a beautiful thing; it was great to learn about why it captivates us the way that it does.