class reflections

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

My expectations for this course were to learn a little more about art culture and to start to test my artistic ability. I'm in no way a great artist, but I thought it would be nice to take one that isn't really focused on how well you can actually draw. I enjoyed drawing hands with my dominant and non dominant hands and seeing the results. 

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

Art can be anything from a painting to a written novel to photographs. If you're expressing yourself creatively there's endless things that can be considered art. I said something close to this in my initial posting as well.

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?

My favorite artist at the beginning of this class was Jackson Pollock and is now Paul Cezanne. There is a big difference between them because one paints very abstract and the other goes for a more realistic look. I enjoy he colors Cezanne uses and the way he paints, you can see the paint strokes in a lot of his paintings and it's somehow calming to me.

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?

I really enjoyed taking an online course and I think I like it a lot more than in class. It might just be because I don't have to commute 30 minutes for an online course. My answer was basically the same, but I do realize now that I need to plan out when my assignments are due because I wont be reminded "in class."

Module 13 & 14 Video Review

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

The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art - Conceptionalism is almost like anti-realism. The idea is that the concept of the art is more important than what is actually seen.

Tate Modern - They explained how artists with similar styles should be placed in the same room and the importance of having a single theme in one room like Joan Mitchell with Jackson Pollock

An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan - x-rays are sometimes used on pieces to help find places on the piece that might need to be restored like weaker areas of a sculpture. 

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

The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art - It doesn't specifically relate to my project and theme because my pieces are more focused on what you actually see in the piece and not what's necessarily behind it meaning wise.

Tate Modern - This video relates to the Art Exhibition project because it explains the importance of having pieces in a room that go together or fit well in the same area. For our project we needed to find a common theme and have our pieces all relate to each other as if they were shown in the same room.

An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan - Yes, some parts of the video do relate to the exhibition project because they discuss the importance of art curators and how getting pieces that go well together is an extremely important part of an exhibit. This is what we had to do with our project because if there wasn't a common theme then it's just random works of art thrown together. It wouldn't really be a learning experience that way.

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

The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art - I enjoyed the film because I do like this style of art and the freedom you have with it. In my opinion it didn't really help with my project because my theme wasn't based on the meaning behind each piece, but instead on what I interpreted it as.

Tate Modern - This film was helpful in understanding the importance of having a common theme when displaying pieces and the reasons people often switch up the order as well. It also confirmed for me that I did my project correctly as well because all my pieces relate to a common theme.

An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan - This film was interesting and helpful because it talked a lot about art restoration and the time that's needed to make sure nothing is added that doesn't have to be. They still want it to be that persons specific work. The video adds depth to the concepts we learned for the project because they talk about the importance of having a good theme as an art curator so pieces aren't just thrown up randomly.

Project 4 Reflection

When thinking about this project the first few themes that came to mind were color and nature. They seemed too simple and probably something another student would choose as well so I decided to think of something different. I wanted to have a theme of just a single word that would fit a lot of my favorite darker, nature-like paintings. I was drawn to these paintings because it's a very gloomy day right now. When looking at a few of the pieces I picked out I ended up deciding on the word melancholy, which means sad, lonely or gloomy. I thought this was fitting because a lot of the paintings I chose all had dark blues, grays and greens which to me are rather sad/calm colors. I knew if I chose this theme I would be able to find a lot of interesting pieces with the same lonely atmosphere. 

Video Review Module 11

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

I selected my two videos because they stood out to me among the others and I thought they would be the ones I'd enjoy learning about the most.

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

Matisse and Picasso - Matisse was like a father figure to Picasso and was thought of as the father of modern art as well. They surprisingly didn't like each other's paintings at first, but they loved to challenge each other and loved the power that came with it. 

Expressionism - Expressionism is a specific style of art where the artist expresses emotion rather than pictures of the outside world. Bright colors and jagged lines are often used in these pieces to show different emotions.

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

Matisse and Picasso - The text goes more into detail on their specific pieces while the video almost focuses more on their relationship and how they eventually became good friends.

Expressionism - Both the video and text went into detail on specific paintings from the time period and explained the concept of the type of art. 

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

Matisse and Picasso - I enjoyed this video because it brought the concepts together and helped me get some background on the pieces that were created by them. 

Expressionism - The video brought the concepts together because it went into detail on specific pieces from the time and discussed the reasoning behind them as well as the artist and some of their backstory.

Art Gallery Visit #2

Step 1: The Exhibition

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit?

We The People (Albright Knox)

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

The themes were peoples' lives, cultures, thoughts, dreams and lifestyles.

Step 2: The Gallery

Questions about the physical space:1. What type of lighting is used?

The lighting was track lighting throughout the exhibit and some pieces had their own lighting.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

White was used on the walls throughout this exhibit, it really makes you focus on each specific piece.

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

The material used in the interior was marble floors and doorways with probably plaster walls.

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

With the walls being such a plain white and the pieces being quite a distance from each other you really have your full attention on one piece at a time.

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:1. How are the artworks organized?

It's hard to notice a specific grouping from just viewing the pieces, but once you read the descriptions you can notice a pattern in why they're put with others. Some are grouped based on the human and natural world and others grouped by culture.

2. How are the artrworks similar?

Like I mentioned in my previous response it's hard to see similarities from just looking at them, but once you read the descriptions you can find they're all based around people and their lives and cultures.

3. How are the artworks different?

Almost all of the mediums are different and unique from simple oil on canvas to decommissioned prison uniforms that spell out "We the People" when you stand back.

4. How are the artworks framed?

Most pieces are framed quite differently because of the wildly different mediums used and some don't have frames at all like some of the sculptures obviously.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

They're labeled with the artist's name and a short description of the piece and some story behind it.

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

The pieces are quite far apart from one another and there's not many in a singular room, I think this helps people to focus on a single piece without being distracted by another.

Artist: Nari Ward

Title: Loisaidas LiquorsouL

Media: metal, plexiglas, fluorescent sign, PVC pipe, artificial flowers, shoelaces and shoe tips

Date: 2011

Source: my photograph

1.) This is one of the first pieces you see when you walk into the exhibit and it's probably one that catches most peoples eye. I love what a unique medium it is and how all the letters that are right side up spell out SOUL.

2.) A large fluorescent sign with flowers up the front of it and red letters that spell out the word soul.

3.) The elements form and texture are used a lot in this piece. It's obviously 3D and stands out very well. Just from looking at it you can imagine what the texture would be like.

4.) It has the symbol of Soul in the word Liquor.

5.) The artist wanted communities to gather together to mourn the loved ones that they had lost which is symbolized in the word soul.

Artist: Sopheap Pich

Title: Cycle

Media: Bamboo, wire and glue

Date: 2011

Source: my photograph

1.) This piece also stands out among others because of its medium and shape. Everyone has their own interpretation of what they think it represents

2.) Bamboo wired together to form shapes that to me look like lungs or a stomach.

3.) The elements of texture and space were used in this piece. Just looking at the piece and reading what it's made of helps you imagine what it would feel like. The space in between is important as well because the artist could have chosen to create this shape without showing the space in the middle, but chose not to.

4.) As I said before this piece really reminds me of a pair of lungs and the empty space within them.

5.) The artist was trying to create something irregular and he was actually going for an organ-like shape. He relates it to the human and natural world just like the rest of the pieces in the exhibit.

Artist: Hank Willis Thomas

Title: We the People

Media: decommissioned prison uniforms mounted on Sintra

Date: 2015

Source: my photograph

1.) I love the medium that was used in this piece and the other ones I chose, they're all very unique in their own way.

2.) At first I had only seen a bunch of lines, but when I backed up I could notice that they spell out "We the People" which is the name of the whole exhibit.

3.) The elements used were line and texture. Line is used to create the words and the space between them and just like the other pieces I chose, you can almost feel the piece when you think of the medium used.

4.) The symbol in this piece is obviously the medium used combined with the words they spell out. 

5.) The artist chose to use the words "We the People" which are the first words of the preamble of the Constitution and wonders if universal rights applies to all people living in America, or just a select group.

I enjoyed visiting the Gallery and looking at it from a different perspective. You don't really think about focusing on the architecture around the pieces or even the color of the walls, but it gives you a different view than before. Walking around the different exhibits I noticed that a lot of the walls were different colors rather than just white like you'd expect. Some were blue which gave a calm feeling along with the pieces. It was a really nice experience because I got to go with my grandma who had actually already seen the exhibit and told me I just had to see it. 

Module 10 Video

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

Buddhism - I chose the Buddhism video because It's a religion I really enjoy learning about and I like a lot of their practices and teachings. We actually have a lot of Buddhist statues around my house because my mom feels the same way.

Hinduism - I chose the Hinduism video because I thought it would be interesting to learn the differences and similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism.

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

Buddhism - I learned that to reach nirvana you have to leave your belongings and jealousies behind through meditation. They also follow the four noble truths which are existence is suffering, suffering has a cause, craving and attachment, and there is an end of suffering called nirvana.

Hinduism - The religion was started a few thousand years ago by the Aryans who recorded their sacred texts in books called Vedas. One of the most important beliefs is that human beings are not confined to the body or mind and that everything has a spirit.

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

Buddhism - The video goes in depth on the Buddhism practices as well as how it came to be with Siddhartha Gautama's story. The text adds to this by discussing the art and statues, mostly of the Buddha, during this time. (I have many at home!)

Hinduism - The video discusses the Hinduism practices and beliefs and goes into depth on the architecture and art of India as well. The text talks about these as well, but doesn't go as in depth as the video does.

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

Buddhism - I enjoyed this film because I knew a lot of the information mentioned, but also learned a few new facts as well. They add depth to the reading because it not only mentions the art and statues of the Buddha, but the back round information as well as practices 

Hinduism - I enjoyed this film because it did inform me of the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism as well as adding depth to the concept of art and architecture of the time period and the reasoning behind some pieces.

Module 9 Hand Drawings

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

It was difficult because hands are the hardest thing to draw for me. I always end up making the fingers too small or too short. Little things can make it look just a little bit off.

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

I used pencil because it wouldn't smudge and get all over my hands. (it's happened too many times) 

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

Very strange, hands are already very difficult to draw, so having to do it with my non dominant hand just made it much harder. It's frustrating as well because I see it in my head coming out fine, but my non dominant hand shakes slightly when I draw/write so it's hard to get straight lines the way I want.

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

I think they are. You can really see the difference in them from hand to hand unlike someone who's ambidextrous.

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

I definitely would just for fun or to see how much I could improve with my non dominant hand if I started working with it for a few months. I think its also interesting to do drawings without picking your pencil up while using your non dominant hand.

Module 9 Video Responses

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

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance - I selected this video because I wanted to learn more about Leonardo da Vinci's reasons behind his pieces as well as more background information.

Albrecht Dürer: Image of a Master - Originally I was going to choose the Michelangelo video, but I already know a bit about him so I decided to choose a video surrounding someone I'm not too familiar with. 

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

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance - I learned that Leonardo uses a strange way of writing called "mirror writing" and only does this when he's not writing for someone else. He is fully capable of writing normally, but chooses this method. 

Albrecht Dürer: Image of a Master - Durer was very talented at drawing from a young age and even drew a self portrait at 13 with a rod of silver. He was also able to draw his father, who was a goldsmith, with a lot of detail when he was only 19. 

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

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance - The text goes more in depth in his artwork and what reasons he had for completing them. It only brushes lightly on his past and doesn't go into much detail about the inner workings of his brain. The video explains how he sees the world and peoples faces as well as little less significant parts of his life. Combined together it helps you understand the concepts of him and his time period.

Albrecht Dürer: Image of a Master - He was barely mentioned in the text so a lot of the information was brand new. It added onto the concept of renaissance and went in depth on his specific pieces and methods.

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

Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance -  I really enjoyed this film and was actually drawn in at the beginning when they mentioned Leonardo da Vinci writes in a way called "mirror writing." I wasn't completely sure what it meant so I did a little research and found that he invented the style himself. He starts from the right side of the page and moves left as he writes and it seems that no one really knows why he wrote this way. It almost seems like the project we're working on where we have to draw with out non-dominant hand. This adds depth and understanding to the readings and concepts because it takes you almost "behind the scenes" of art being made. You start to understand how the artist thinks and in this case, writes. 

Albrecht Dürer: Image of a Master - I also enjoyed this film and I think the most surprising part was about how his favorite part of the body to paint/draw was someones hands. As someone who draws a little and has some artist friends, I've come to find that hands are always the hardest part to draw for most people so it's interesting to me that he enjoys it. This adds depth to the readings and concepts because you get to learn more about the time period and the type of styles that most artists use.