Module 12 Video Review

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

The first video I selected was about Abstract Expressionism.  I chose this because I enjoy Pop Art and it is familiar to me.  I chose the video on Andy Warhol because I have seen many pieces of his work and find his style to be interesting.



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

Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the 50's and 60's- This video discusses Abstract Expressionism and its birth during the controversial times of up and coming pop art. This form of art was created by the combined ideas and influences of American and European art. A few artists that represented this artistic style were Franz Kline, Jasper Johns, and Andy Warhol. While their works were similar to that of abstract styles, they sought to express something.


Andy Warhol: Images of an Image- Andy Warhol was one of the most well known artists during the Pop Movement. He began as a commercial artist and later found an interest in advertising images. His most famous works are generally repeated images, whether faces or objects. Common examples of his style are that of Ten Lizes and the soup can. He commonly used the concept of silk screening where he would blow up photographs and transfer them to a canvas which allowed for ink and paint.

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

The style of Abstract Expressionism and the Pop art movement were both discussed in the text. Andy Warhol and his pieces are mentioned throughout the book as well as just an art icon in general.  The video expanded on what I already knew about Andy Warhol and his pieces. 

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

The films were interesting and I especially enjoyed the film about Andy Warhol. I enjoyed the way that they showed his works relating to Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe who are both iconic female figures.

Module 11: Art Gallery Visit #2

Step 1: The Exhibition

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

The Artists Among Us

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?

WNY Art and Artists

Step 2: The Gallery

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

When looking at the lighting I realized two things.  There is lighting on the ceiling around all artwork, but what I noticed was some lighting was directed on the artwork and some were directed on the floor right next to the artwork.  The lighting that was directed on the floor was then bounced off of the floor and lit about the pieces.  I thought this was a unique way of showing off the artwork.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

Throughout the gallery the majority of the walls were either white in color or a light grey.  I feel that they chose to use more neutral colors so it wouldn’t take away from the pieces.  With crazy painted walls our focus would leave the artwork and be directed elsewhere.

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

I noticed the architecture to be simpler.  The bottom floor had wooden floors and a high ceiling.  There was a lot of lighting as each individual piece had its own source of lighting. 

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

The movement of the viewer was done by splitting the gallery up in sections.  Each section was themed as it had similar artwork in each section.  One portion showed law enforcement and you were able to easily see where it started and ended.  At all times you knew when you were going to be looking at a different exhibit with a new topic.  I never felt that I missed something and needed to turn back.  Overall I thought the gallery was very organized and moved me through all the exhibits the way it was set up.

Step 3: The Artwork

Questions about the artwork:

1. How are the artworks organized?

The artwork is organized by topic and by artist.  They are also organized by medium used.  All of   
the photographs were all grouped in a similar area.

2. How are the artworks similar?
The artworks are similar as they were all created by WNY artists.  Some artists even went to Buffalo State which I thought was really cool.  In my opinion the gallery portrayed more realistic art.  I saw actual buildings, outside scenery, weather, and emphasis of human faces.  I would say this is where the artworks are similar.

3. How are the artworks different?
The artworks are different when it comes to subject matter and the mediums used.  Also although the lower floor shows more realistic art, the upper floor (Ellen Steinfeld exhibit) showed more abstract art.  Her pieces were bright in color and showed different objects and shapes.

4. How are the artworks framed?

I noticed that the majority of the artwork on the main floor had a white border around the pieces and than a black frame.  I feel that it drew your eye more to the piece being bordered in white and then framed in a dark color.  I also noticed in different exhibits some were framed in brassy metals, some were wooden, and some didn’t even have a frame.  It was definitely apparent that there was a reason behind the choice of frames in relation to the artwork.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

The artwork was labeled with a white plaque to the right of the artwork.  It first would list the name of the artist, the title, and then the location and date.  Each exhibit was also labeled as soon as you walked in, in big letters higher up on the wall.

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

I had recognized that the majority of the artwork was spaced out about two feet in between each other.  Something else that I had noticed is that the pieces with almost the same subject matter were closer to each other. 

 

Artist:  Bruce Jackson

Title of work:  St. Mary’s-on-the-Hill Episcopal Church, Niagara and Vermont Streets

Media:  Photograph

Date:  2010

Size:  N/A- Unknown

Source of picture:  Photograph taken at Burchfield Penny Art Gallery

Description – This photograph captures the unique architecture of the church and shows the clearest of blue skies.   

Formal analysis –

Texture:  The stone looking bricks of the church show a definite texture as they all are protruding in and out in different areas.
Color:  The skies are not just an ordinary blue but the brightest blue a sky could be.  The artist was fortunate enough to capture the beauty of the skies color.

Bracketing – This photograph reminds me of the most relaxing and beautiful days.  A lot of the time’s people become consumed with work and other things that they don’t get the opportunity to take in the world’s simplest beauties.  This photograph ultimately reminds me of the days where I have nowhere to be and can just sit on my porch and enjoy the outside.  When I see this photo I see beauty, relaxation, and peacefulness.

Interpretation – I feel that the artist was trying to capture the beauty in the architecture of the church and the beauty of the sky.  I also feel that the artist was trying to convey his appreciation of the church and sky and also gave a sense of peacefulness with the combination of the two. 

 

Artist:  Ellen Steinfeld

Title of work:  Bolero
Media:  Watercolor on Paper
Date:  2012
Size:  N/A- Unknown
Source of picture:  Photograph taken at Burchfield Penny Art Gallery

Description – This watercolor painting is vibrant in the use of colors of the different sizes and shapes of objects.

Formal analysis –

Color:  The artist definitely favors bright and vibrant colors.  Within all her pieces in the exhibit she uses similar colors.  The variety of colors makes this piece very appealing to the eye.
Shape:  The shapes in this painting vary.  There are smaller squares, circles, ovals and other shapes. 
Line:  There are outlines on the objects as well as squiggly and curved lines in this painting

Bracketing – This painting reminds me of when I was younger when my art teacher had us create a piece using different shapes and colors.  We had full reign to make the piece however we wanted to as long as it met those guidelines.  To accurately say what the feeling the photo represents it would be childhood meets sophistication. 

Interpretation – I feel that the artist as I said before loves vibrant colors.  There is not a piece in her exhibit that had dull or muddy colors.  Her piece exudes happiness in her use of bright colors and creativity.  I feel that she wanted people to look at her pieces and feel cheerful and remember the child that will always be in us.

 

 

Artist:  Charles Burchfield
Title of work:  The Evening Star
Media:  Oil on Board
Date:  1994
Size:  N/A- Unknown
Source of picture:  Photograph taken at Burchfield Penny Art Gallery

Description – This painting uses darker and muddy colors.  It should also be noted that there is one lonely star up in the sky.  The reflection of the sky is shown on the pond which than emphasizes the deer.

Formal analysis –
Movement:  The artist definitely had put the tree in the position it is for a reason.  As we follow the trunk of the tree and to the oddly shaped branch that is going straight up, we can see that the branch is indirectly pointing to the lone star. 
Emphasis:  As the sky reflects onto the pond it is one of the lightest portions of the painting.  The artist put emphasis on the deer as he positioned them right in front of the glowing pond.

Bracketing – This painting reminds me of going camping to Allegany.  When going in the woods I remember the beautiful scenery just as it was getting dark.  There’s deer throughout Allegany but I remember seeing the baby deer sticking close to their parent as they walked through. 

Interpretation – I feel that the artist Charles Burchfield was trying to show a close relationship through a parent and a child through the use of the deer.  I believe this painting was used to show the relationship between himself and his child.  The lone star makes me believe that he viewed his child as his one and only star.  It is apparent that he was trying to relay that his child meant the world to him and was the only thing that mattered in his eyes.

Photo of Gallery Above


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.?

I felt that going to the gallery with the questions given I was able to analyze and appreciate the gallery more.  If I would normally go to a gallery I would walk through it quiet quickly and not realize a lot of the galleries aspects.  This time I noticed how the lighting was positioned, how the artwork was displayed, the connection the pieces had with eachother and understand why the artist created the piece that they did.  In all honestly this class has given me an eye opening experience and a new appreciation not only for art but the galleries that display the art.

Module 11 Video Reviews

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

For my videos I had chosen Dada and Surrealism, and Expressionism.  I chose these because I chose to write about them earlier in the week on the class discussion board.  Seeing that I already knew about the topics I felt that these videos would come easier for me to understand. 

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

The first film I watched was Dada and Surrealism.  After World War I the movement of Dadaism surfaced. Dada was an art movement that was against any sort of structure, especially government. During this time art took an interesting leap towards means of protest. Kurt Schwitters was known for the use of collage which he used in his art to prove a point. Hannah Hoch was also a well known Dada artist whose work was well known.

The second film I had watched was Expressionism.  The end of Fauvism leads to the movement of Expressionism. Expressionism, like Fauvism, placed a large emphasis on color. However, the goals of color in Expression focused more on emotional properties rather than the formal structure of color like Fauvism. For example black, white, and red were used to express emotional symbolism in Marc's work "After the Fall".

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

The videos relate to the text because each of these movements was talked about in Chapter twenty one. The videos added on and elaborated on the information I had read in the text.
 
4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings

The films were interesting. I especially liked the work after "After the Fall" mentioned in the Expressionism video and what the use of black, white, and red were used to represent.

Mask Making

 

(1&2) The first mask is quite odd but I liked the random display of fun colors which is why I had chosen it.   The element of color is apparent and the mask uses the primary colors.  Texture is also shown in what looks to be hair with the gouged in lines.  I had chosen the second mask because I liked how creative it was and how there was no open space.  The mask has a definite pattern that all comes together, and makes it feel planned and organized.  Unity is shown as all the colors and patterns although different make it feel as one.  Both sides are almost identical which makes this piece balanced and symmetrical.  The third mask I chose because it had an older style and it’s design caught my attention.  The texture is seen with its stone look to it and with the raised portions under the eyes and on the forehead.  The nose is the largest portion of the entire phase which shows the principle of emphasis.  The nose is pushed our forward and large which creates an emphasized look.

 

 

 

 

 

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

I used the elements and principles in the making of my mask.  Color was used with all the vibrant and different colors.  Line was used in the spikes on the mask and on the forehead and cheeks.  I used different directions of my lines to give it a different look.  The mask is also balanced with both sides being exactly the same in pattern and in color.  I used shape in my mask such as small circles and rectangles as well.  I had seen all similar qualities in other masks and I carried it over into my own.  The three pictures I looked at had an influence on my final mask.

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

My opinion of my final mask is that it looks quite bizarre.  I really didn’t know where I was going with it.  I had seen masks with an older style that I had found interesting but were quite bland.  I knew I wanted to make something very colorful and chose to make mine that way.  I didn’t mind making the mask it allowed me to be creative which I liked.  Mine is clearly a low skill level as I have seen some crazy and detailed mask.

Module 10 video review

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

The two videos I have chosen in this Module are African Art and Buddhism.  The reasons why I picked these two videos are because they were the two topics that interested me the most in the text.  I love the colors and the beauty of African art and Buddhism is a very different religion than my own and I just wanted to learn a little more about it. 

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

In the African Art video the main idea was that art was a part of their everyday life and culture.  The people have found ways to express their selves with art through their clothing, masks, and sculptures.  What I liked most about this video was how it went into detail about the African rituals.  The Shamans were the ritual specialists.  I thought it was interesting how they believed art could intervene in the natural course of life.  The statues shown were created in order to harness super natural powers. The wooden looking statues although some were animal like and human figures their meaning wasn’t to depict these figures but to create a way in for the spirits.  The ritual portion of this video definitely interested me the most. 

The other video I had viewed was Buddhism.  This video had enlightened me more about the religion.  I liked how the Buddhist religion focuses on prosperous living.  The Buddhist culture also showed a lot of respect for their surrounding environment which is shown in their architecture and sculptures.  Shrines and other ritual objects were very important as they incorporated symbolism and were created to inspire worship.

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

Per usual both these videos relate to the text.  African culture and art was a topic discussed as well as a special focus on their rituals.  The videos went more in detail and explained the statues they created and how they had a spiritual meaning behind them.  Buddhism was also mentioned in the text.  From the video I learned to appreciate their religion a lot more.  From my understanding they seem to put a lot of respect and focus on a beautiful life.

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

I thought that both the videos contained interesting information.  As always the video’s add to the text and help me understand and give a visualization to what I have read.

Art Making/Material Exploration Drawing

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

For me it was hard using my hands as subject matter for this drawing.  I am horrible at drawing people and realistic objects so it was quiet a challenge.  It was especially hard drawing my own hand and having to hold it while drawing it.  Holding my hand still was hard to do as well.

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

The media I used for this was pencil.  The reason I chose pencil was because for me it is easier to shade and is neater.  Erasing charcoal in a mistake is harder to do than to erase pencil.  I remember using charcoal to create a collage when I was younger and I hated it.  Choosing pencil was more of just a personal preference.

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

Drawing with my non-dominant hand was very uncomfortable and awkward to say the least.  It took double the time and effort to draw my right hand.  I just wanted to put the pencil into my other hand. 

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

The drawing of my left hand was better as I drew it with my dominant right hand.  The left hand was more accurate as the right hand's fingers were bent oddly.  Both of the hands did include shading which I felt made them look more realistic.  Also it is hard to draw your hands to scale.  After drawing them it was apparent that they were smaller than my actual hands and that for some reason my right hand drawing was smaller.  I do think my drawings depict a successful study.  The fact that you can tell that they are hands are successful in my book as I have never drawn hands before.  I tried to get the creases and wrinkles correct as possible.

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

If I had the choice I would not choose my non-dominant hand to create another artwork.  It was very awkward drawing with my left hand and no matter how hard I tried it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be.  I can definately draw better with my right hand and I will choose my right hand first every time. 

Module 9 Video Review

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

The two videos I have chosen to view for this Module was “The Drawings of Michelangelo” and “Leonardo da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance.”  The reason I chose these videos is because both artists are very well known.  I figured already knowing background of both artists would make the videos more interesting to me and easier to follow along. 

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

The first video I watched was The Drawings of Michelangelo.  What I had learned in this video is that Michelangelo put a lot of attention on humans.  He was very passionate when it came to sculpting human beings, especially males. It is also very apparent that his intense Christian faith was a driving force behind his art.  What I thought was very interesting was that he destructed a lot his drawing due to being a perfectionist.  If he didn’t like exactly what he created he would destroy it.  Something I thought was just impressive is how he had taught himself how to sculpt.  It is mind bottling how someone not knowing how to sculpt could figure it out on their own and creates some of the world’s renowned masterpieces.

The second video I watched was Leonardo Da Vinci: The Mind of the Renaissance.  Da Vinci paid a lot of attention to the proportions of men and animals.  Leonardo will forever be known as the Renaissance Man as he created so many influential pieces during this time.  All of his works show an enjoyment to understand the complexity of objects and things.  Da Vinci was a very intellectual man and an amazing architect and painter.

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

These videos relate to the texts as both artists were discussed in the chapters.  The same pieces that I read about in the text were shown in the videos.  Instead of seeing just a photo I was able to see it in video, which I thought, was pretty cool.  I learned more about the pieces than the book had offered.  The videos definitely added to the reading as usual.

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

My opinion was that these films were very well done.  Knowing whom the artists were definitely helped in holding my interest.  As I said above the videos connected well with the text quiet well.