The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art
The key concept in this video seems to be that this form of art is widely seen and used in many industries such as music, print, packaging, and body art but still remains outside the realm of accepted terms of art categories. The interviews are very diverse and bring forward many opinions of the art form, debating the tag associated with it (lowbrow). The dictionary term for lowbrow refers to an uncultured or unintelligent group or thought, when in actuality nothing could be farther from the truth. Referring to this art form as lowbrow is sarcastic or tongue in cheek.
This video does not relate to my Art Exhibition project because I do not see my theme involved in the art or artists' works presented, however, I will try to include a lowbrow image if I can.
In my opinion, the pop art of low brow, is part of everyday life, we are more inclined to see and experience this art simply by its delivery. This is a video that is very well put together video, very informative, and encourages viewers to think about lowbrow with a more modern approach outside of the traditional art school parameters. I don't think this video adds to the concepts I encountered doing the Art Curation project because it was more about the art as a "non" movement than as a curated show.
Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach
The key concept of this video is that art should be displayed in museums within four themes that have been expanded from still-life, landscape, history and nude to still-life/object/real-life; landscape/matter/environment; history/memory/society; and nude/action/body. By adding to the four categories, curators can widen the basic structure of the themes so as to incorporate many more directions of art.
The video will likely assist in selecting my images for the Art Exhibition project because it will expand my options within my theme.
In my opinion, the video provides basic information on the way art is curated in galleries, touches on the differences between the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in England, but mostly informs us of the method in which collections are put together within the four themes. Therefore, I do feel it adds to the concepts I explored in my Art Curation Project, by helping to understand why certain works were included in the exhibit, and why they were bracketed within the exhibit.
Bones of Contention: Native American Archeology
The key concept of this video is that in the name of science, human rights are violated. However, if the approach is mutually beneficial to all involved as a whole, the study of Native American remains can be informative to scientists and historical cultures.
I think this video will help my Art Exhibition project development because it adds to my research of Native American techniques.
I do not feel this video had any correlation to my Art Curation project because the emphasis was more on the controversy of science and cultural preservation.
George Eastman House: Picture Perfect
The key concept of this video is the presentation of the impact that George Eastman's contribution to the art world through the development of photographic technology and making it available to the consumer and as the driving force in the motion picture industry.
The amazing world of photography, from the discovery of techniques and equipment is a very good presentation that makes this video a companion to the information presented in Living With Art, by presenting the subject in a museum format at Eastman's estate in Rochester, New York.
This video may assist me in my research for the Art Exhibition project because undoubtedly the images I will be able to find used photography to capture them.
In my opinion, the information was presented in an organized, chronological fashion and makes for a good advertisement to go SEE the exhibit. I also think it the Art Curation project into another perspective by adding the element of chronology as a way of curating an exhibit.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Week 13: Video Reviews
Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the 50's and 60's
I am not really sure why I chose this video, other than it was one of the choices.
The key concept I learned from this video was that the unpredictability of experimentation is a fundamental approach to the art of this period. Techniques are uncontrolled and the artists act/react instinctively. The artists of this period are more or less part of an incoherent group, and their art is more of an attitude in the New York art scene.
The content in the video corresponds well with the text, Living with Art, by including narrations explaining Kline, Frankenthaler, deKooning, Johns, Warhol, and Lichtenstein's art works.
In my opinion, the film is just as abstract as the art of the period, but does cover the "movement" and enhances the content covered in the text.
Hockney on Photography
I chose this film because of my fascination with photography as art.
The key concept I learned from this video was that an artists' (Hockney's) perspective of how as technology evolved so did the artists' work in response to the development. Hockney made light of how his work was based around the equipment he could afford at different periods,and his limitations of what was available to him. It's really the truth, not all artists are endowed with equipment and material. The old cliche "the struggling artist" holds true.
The video relates somewhat to the material covered in Living with Art, in the respect of limitations of technology and the release of those limitations as technology advances. I feel the emphasis was more on the work of Hockney who is not at all mentioned in the text.
In my opinion, this film is fantastic. It's a wonderful documentary narrated by the artist, including commentary from other critics.
Andy Warhol: Images of an Image
I chose this film because I'm not a huge fan of Warhol and was curious to hear what would be said about the artist.
I watched it twice, and still can't say I have a key concept that I came away with other than that hype played much of the artist's success among celebrities and very typical of "New York City".
The film correlates to the text, Living with Art, almost repeating the short biography on page 504.
In my opinion, the film is not very dynamic and as unappealing as the repeated celebrity images.
Isamu Noguchi - The Sculpture of Spaces
I chose this film because I often walked pass the Red Cube in New York City, and I like learning more about artists whose work I have seen.
The key concept I learned from this video is that Noguchi's thoughts on sculpture and art were prophetic, as he dreamed of the concept of installation and land art in the 1920's and 1930's. Noguchi's parks and gardens were a combination of installation and land art, as one experiences the whole space!
There is very little mention of Noguchi in Living With Art, however, I think the film correlates well to the text on the topic of sculpture, installation and land art, with Noguchi giving narrations on his various works.
In my opinion, this is a very good film and a a good example of pluralism in the art world, as Noguchi's work spanned many decades including modernist and post modernist movements, yet his work was an entity that existed somewhat separately from the rest of the "group's" art.
I am not really sure why I chose this video, other than it was one of the choices.
The key concept I learned from this video was that the unpredictability of experimentation is a fundamental approach to the art of this period. Techniques are uncontrolled and the artists act/react instinctively. The artists of this period are more or less part of an incoherent group, and their art is more of an attitude in the New York art scene.
The content in the video corresponds well with the text, Living with Art, by including narrations explaining Kline, Frankenthaler, deKooning, Johns, Warhol, and Lichtenstein's art works.
In my opinion, the film is just as abstract as the art of the period, but does cover the "movement" and enhances the content covered in the text.
Hockney on Photography
I chose this film because of my fascination with photography as art.
The key concept I learned from this video was that an artists' (Hockney's) perspective of how as technology evolved so did the artists' work in response to the development. Hockney made light of how his work was based around the equipment he could afford at different periods,and his limitations of what was available to him. It's really the truth, not all artists are endowed with equipment and material. The old cliche "the struggling artist" holds true.
The video relates somewhat to the material covered in Living with Art, in the respect of limitations of technology and the release of those limitations as technology advances. I feel the emphasis was more on the work of Hockney who is not at all mentioned in the text.
In my opinion, this film is fantastic. It's a wonderful documentary narrated by the artist, including commentary from other critics.
Andy Warhol: Images of an Image
I chose this film because I'm not a huge fan of Warhol and was curious to hear what would be said about the artist.
I watched it twice, and still can't say I have a key concept that I came away with other than that hype played much of the artist's success among celebrities and very typical of "New York City".
The film correlates to the text, Living with Art, almost repeating the short biography on page 504.
In my opinion, the film is not very dynamic and as unappealing as the repeated celebrity images.
Isamu Noguchi - The Sculpture of Spaces
I chose this film because I often walked pass the Red Cube in New York City, and I like learning more about artists whose work I have seen.
The key concept I learned from this video is that Noguchi's thoughts on sculpture and art were prophetic, as he dreamed of the concept of installation and land art in the 1920's and 1930's. Noguchi's parks and gardens were a combination of installation and land art, as one experiences the whole space!
There is very little mention of Noguchi in Living With Art, however, I think the film correlates well to the text on the topic of sculpture, installation and land art, with Noguchi giving narrations on his various works.
In my opinion, this is a very good film and a a good example of pluralism in the art world, as Noguchi's work spanned many decades including modernist and post modernist movements, yet his work was an entity that existed somewhat separately from the rest of the "group's" art.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Week 12: Art Gallery visit #2
THE EXHIBITION
"Sensory Crossovers: Synesthesia in American Art"
Burchfield Penney Art Center
The brochure for the exhibit states:
See sounds. Hear colors. Explore the senses.
Sensory Crossovers: Synesthesia in American Art
February 11 through May 29, 2011
The Theme of the Exhibition (as stated in the brochure)
As the icy blue of winter inevitably melts, and the sights and sounds of spring slowly begin to break through, the galleries of the Burchfield Penney will become a playground for the senses. Conceived in collaboration with The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History and presented by LPCiminelli and the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, Sensory Crossovers provides an unprecedented opportunity to consider synesthesia-a capacity to perceive one sense by stimulating another-through the work of some of the 20th century's most significant artists. In this vibrant exhibition, examples of synesthesia by luminaries such as Charles E. Burchfield, Arthur Dove, Max Weber, Joseph Stella, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Adolph Gottlieb relate the artists' experiences of these distinct sensory crossovers.THE GALLERY
The lighting was bright and appeared to be natural, as if there were many windows and skylights.
The color on the walls were white or ivory, so as not to distract from the works of the exhibit. Materials used in the interior architecture of the space include display cases and walls that do not extend to the ceilings. There are also chairs in the gallery that are unrelated to the exhibits but places to sit and converse. The movement of the viewer through this gallery is a little bit confusing, but that may have been my own response, not that of other viewers. I did end up in a hallway that was another exhibit and I wasn't sure how I arrived there, and had to turn back to make sure I had completed the exhibit that I was viewing for this assignment.
THE ARTWORK
The artwork is organized well, and my initial impression was that size and color was a plan, and then by series of multiple work by the same artist. The placement leads the viewer from one work to the next within a comfortable walking distance, so as to be able to turn and look at the surrounding work for comparisons. Each work was clearly labeled and written description by the curator, Udall, was also next to each work. Some of the works are framed, some not, and some in display cases.
The sign said photography was not allowed, however, there was no one present to object, so I took no-flash pictures.
Prelude to Lohengrin
Ira Jean Belmont
oil on canvas, 1933
In this color-music expressionist painting, Belmont used a soft value palette of primary colors. While the composition appears to be balanced symmetrically, the rhythm of the repeated shapes are asymmetrical.
I see many things going on in the painting. Whether or not the intention was to give the impression of an orchestra is unknown, however, the placement of elements creates the shape of an orchestra with the audience in the forefront, in the composition gives me that impression, There appears to be a face, perhaps the artist's, as if he is "seeing the music" through his mind's eye. At the center top portion, there appears to be an image of Jesus Christ on the cross in yellow hue. In total, the artists use of color, placement and texture gives the feeling of sound resonating, further supporting the bond between the senses. It is my impression that the artist was painting this music as he imagined it in his mind.
Blues for Charlie Parker
Sam Scott
acrylic on canvas, 1988
80 x 66"
The first thing I must say about this painting is that in the exhibit it is dated 1988, however, in internet searches it is dated 1974.
The forms in this composition are shapes remind me of musical elements that one can find on the formal written scales. The colors are bright greens and blues with bits of magenta and orange and have a neon-like quality that are often seen on signs. The objects in the composition are spaced in such a way to create a movement and rhythm one feels when listening to music.
Even if one is familiar with the music of Charlie Parker, the playful action of the shapes illustrate the sound of musical notes as they are played on his saxophone, as well as the shapes one sees in brass instruments like the saxophone. It is my impression that Scott was paying tribute to to the playful like quality of Parker's saxophone.
Symphony # 2
Horace T. Pierce
watercolor & airbrush on paper, 8 works, 1949-1952
A collection of small works, Symphony #2, is an example of repetitive lines creating the form of sound waves and shapes that float in and out of the line forms. The balance is created by placement of the objects, which varies in each work. Each work exhibits unity, within the composition and within the collection of works. Colors are mid-value, yet have a neon like hue.
The abstract work looks very much like an illustration of sound interpretation software images. It is my impression that Pierce's intent was to recreate the sounds of music in color.
I thought this visit of a Gallery to purposefully look at an exhibition from the perspective of evaluating the physical space, architecture, theme, etc, was a beneficial experience. It is enjoyable to view artwork, but we often don't give these other aspects much thought as a consumer. This particular exhibition was apropos for this assignment, as a total sensory experience, with the exception of touch!
Outside of this assignment, while at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, I viewed the exhibit An Overabundance of Detail as well. WOW! I highly recommend experiencing this exhibit before it ends on July 3, 2011.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Week 12 Video Reviews
Matisse and Picasso
I chose to watch Matisse and Picasso because I enjoyed the Picasso exhibit at the Albright Knox Art Gallery.
The key concepts I learned from this video is that these two artists were rivals and friends. The birth of collage came from Picasso. Matisse suffered emotionally and Picasso was intrigued by the female mystery. Picasso painted from memory and Matisse painted models.
The video correlates well with the text, Living with Art and goes deeper into the relationship between these two artists and the relationship between their work.
I loved this video and found it to be very, very interesting. The interviews with people that knew and lived with the artists are captivating and give the video a documentary feel.
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte
I chose to watch this video because I thought the image in Living with Art needed more explanation and I found the painting interesting and eerie.
The key concepts I learned from this video was how Seurat developed the technique of Pointillism. I also learned that there are many interpretations of the subjects in the painting and found them to be entertaining. I also learned this painting was the subject of many "cartoon's" and comics. Seurat's exploration of the way colors work next to each other, not mixed was very interesting.
The video supports the text writings of Living with Art.
In my opinion this film is very informative and well narrated.
Dada and Surrealism
The book gives a brief summary of Dada, so I chose this video to learn more about the period.
The key concepts I learned was that collage, using materials that had been thrown aside, played an important approach to artmaking in this period.
The video explores many artists of Dad and Surrealism, giving a history behind the work of Hoch, Grosz, Miro, and Dali, supporting the material presented in the text, Living with Art.
This video is very informative and in the investigation into the background of the artists, gives as best a description of Dada as one can. Even the narrator referred to Dada as having an elusive description.
Expressionism
I chose this video because it was the last on the list of my interests.
The key concept I learned about Expressionist artists is that all of the artists discussed-Munch, Marc, Kirchner, Beckman, Baselitz- suffered some sort of mental anguish.
The video covers more than the text, Living with Art, regarding the artists lives.
I thought this video was very interesting and left me wondering why this group is singled out as having mental anguish issues.
I chose to watch Matisse and Picasso because I enjoyed the Picasso exhibit at the Albright Knox Art Gallery.
The key concepts I learned from this video is that these two artists were rivals and friends. The birth of collage came from Picasso. Matisse suffered emotionally and Picasso was intrigued by the female mystery. Picasso painted from memory and Matisse painted models.
The video correlates well with the text, Living with Art and goes deeper into the relationship between these two artists and the relationship between their work.
I loved this video and found it to be very, very interesting. The interviews with people that knew and lived with the artists are captivating and give the video a documentary feel.
A Sunday on La Grande Jatte
I chose to watch this video because I thought the image in Living with Art needed more explanation and I found the painting interesting and eerie.
The key concepts I learned from this video was how Seurat developed the technique of Pointillism. I also learned that there are many interpretations of the subjects in the painting and found them to be entertaining. I also learned this painting was the subject of many "cartoon's" and comics. Seurat's exploration of the way colors work next to each other, not mixed was very interesting.
The video supports the text writings of Living with Art.
In my opinion this film is very informative and well narrated.
Dada and Surrealism
The book gives a brief summary of Dada, so I chose this video to learn more about the period.
The key concepts I learned was that collage, using materials that had been thrown aside, played an important approach to artmaking in this period.
The video explores many artists of Dad and Surrealism, giving a history behind the work of Hoch, Grosz, Miro, and Dali, supporting the material presented in the text, Living with Art.
This video is very informative and in the investigation into the background of the artists, gives as best a description of Dada as one can. Even the narrator referred to Dada as having an elusive description.
Expressionism
I chose this video because it was the last on the list of my interests.
The key concept I learned about Expressionist artists is that all of the artists discussed-Munch, Marc, Kirchner, Beckman, Baselitz- suffered some sort of mental anguish.
The video covers more than the text, Living with Art, regarding the artists lives.
I thought this video was very interesting and left me wondering why this group is singled out as having mental anguish issues.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Week 11 Art Making: Masks
Bolivian Diablo Mask
24" painted papier mache, glitter and glass
Carnival, Oruro, Bolivia
This mask covers a gamut of elements and principles of design, including, color, repitition, line, texture, variety and balance among the others! This is a typical "parade" mask for the South American Carnival celebration.
Halloween Ghoul 2
Germany
10" paper
Early 1900s
This mask includes shape, monochromatic color, proportion and balance in its composition. The emphasis on simplicity is interesting and the small holes for the eyes create a mysterious feeling.
Native American
Cornhusk mask, Iroquois, Northeast United States
17", natural fiber
The organic quality of this mask is intriguing with simple form, monochromatic tone and balance. The hair is full of movement and rhythm.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Week 11 Video Reviews
"Islamic Art at the V&A"
I chose this video because I thought the text was an overview and wanted to learn more about the making of the works of art.
I am in complete awe of the intricacies of the various types of artwork, the metal inlay work, the carving of the rock crystal ewer and illustrations of poetry. The works are so complex and intricate that the tasks had to be tedious and monumental at the very least. The textile work and the Ardabil carpet were wonderful to see "live", not just in print.
The topics covered related well to the text and gave a tremendous support to the material covered by expanding the breadth and depth of examples covered in Living with Art.
In my opinion, this film is very well done and a delightful tour and narration by the curators of the Jameel Gallery at the V&A in London kept my attention to the very end.
African Art: Legacy of Opression
I chose this video simply because it was the first on the list for African art.
The key concept I learned was that several of the modernists, for example Picasso, drew inspiration from African sculpture and masks. I also had little knowledge of the Belgian invasion and horrible abuse of the people of the Congo region, and learned how the Belgian people came to own the African artifacts that are part of the Turveren Museum in Belgium.
The video expands on the topic of African art, and covers an area of historical oppression that is not covered in the text.
In my opinion, Art historian, Ramona Austin, does a fantastic interpretation of specific artifacts, and gives a nice directive on how to draw meaning from an observation.
Buddhism
I chose this film because I have become interested in Buddhist philosophy in recent years and I am always a seeker of knowledge.
The key concept I learned was that it wasn't until long after Buddha's death did the art of the Buddha come into being.
The video correlates well to the text and offers a more detailed narrative on the architectural art of the temples.
In my opinion, this film should be a requirement to support the text readings in Living With Art.
Hindusism
I chose this film because of an interest in Hindu culture.
The key concept was not learned in this film, but reinforced, is that Hinduism is exotic and mysterious. The Gods/Goddesses that link to Brahma (God) are not really much different in the way the Saints are a link to God in Catholicism. There is a tension between the ordinary and the extraordinary, and yet in Hinduism, coexists side by side in artifacts.
The video is a much more in depth look at the philosophy behind the art of Hindusim, and gives many more examples of the carvings on the temples.
In my opinion, this film is awesome, giving many examples of Hindu architectural art. I am going to review it, just to see the intricate carvings and symbolism of the temples.
I chose this video because I thought the text was an overview and wanted to learn more about the making of the works of art.
I am in complete awe of the intricacies of the various types of artwork, the metal inlay work, the carving of the rock crystal ewer and illustrations of poetry. The works are so complex and intricate that the tasks had to be tedious and monumental at the very least. The textile work and the Ardabil carpet were wonderful to see "live", not just in print.
The topics covered related well to the text and gave a tremendous support to the material covered by expanding the breadth and depth of examples covered in Living with Art.
In my opinion, this film is very well done and a delightful tour and narration by the curators of the Jameel Gallery at the V&A in London kept my attention to the very end.
African Art: Legacy of Opression
I chose this video simply because it was the first on the list for African art.
The key concept I learned was that several of the modernists, for example Picasso, drew inspiration from African sculpture and masks. I also had little knowledge of the Belgian invasion and horrible abuse of the people of the Congo region, and learned how the Belgian people came to own the African artifacts that are part of the Turveren Museum in Belgium.
The video expands on the topic of African art, and covers an area of historical oppression that is not covered in the text.
In my opinion, Art historian, Ramona Austin, does a fantastic interpretation of specific artifacts, and gives a nice directive on how to draw meaning from an observation.
Buddhism
I chose this film because I have become interested in Buddhist philosophy in recent years and I am always a seeker of knowledge.
The key concept I learned was that it wasn't until long after Buddha's death did the art of the Buddha come into being.
The video correlates well to the text and offers a more detailed narrative on the architectural art of the temples.
In my opinion, this film should be a requirement to support the text readings in Living With Art.
Hindusism
I chose this film because of an interest in Hindu culture.
The key concept was not learned in this film, but reinforced, is that Hinduism is exotic and mysterious. The Gods/Goddesses that link to Brahma (God) are not really much different in the way the Saints are a link to God in Catholicism. There is a tension between the ordinary and the extraordinary, and yet in Hinduism, coexists side by side in artifacts.
The video is a much more in depth look at the philosophy behind the art of Hindusim, and gives many more examples of the carvings on the temples.
In my opinion, this film is awesome, giving many examples of Hindu architectural art. I am going to review it, just to see the intricate carvings and symbolism of the temples.
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