Mod. 12- Blog Video Review

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

I chose the two videos because they seemed like interesting topic that I would love to know more about.

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

Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the ’50s and ’60s

• Abstract Expressionism was born from a joining of attitudes in American art and European avant-garde art
• It was rejected for its nonfigurative and seemingly egocentric character in favor of the ultra-objective phenomenon known as Pop Art.

Andy Warhol: Images of an Image

• He never wanted to be an artist, not until later on in his life
• Made the Marilyn Monroe Painting after her death; that made him famous
• Elizabeth Taylor was his next muse

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

The videos relates to the readings because the videos talked about each concept in the text in more depth and by giving great examples of abstract Expressionism are and also Andy's life and work.

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

Both videos were very informative but boring. They added depth to my understanding of the readings and art concepts by giving details and examples of the artists and their art work.

Mod. 11 - Art Gallery Visit #2

Questions about the exhibit:
1. What is the title of the exhibit?
- The title of the exhibit is For the Love of Things Still Life

2. What is the theme of the exhibition?
-There were a few still life themes. Some realistic, abstract and even conceptual.
In the For the Love of Things Still Life there were paintings, photography, sculptures and also 2-D/3-D artwork.

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

-There we different types of lighting throughout the exhibit. There was a room that was dimly lit and every artwork in that room only had the light from the ceiling. There was also harsh light used for only a section of one of the pieces called "Mixed Media". There was an art piece that was untitled #1373 that had a hard light over the artwork.

2. What colors are used on the walls?

-All of the walls in the Still Life exhibit were white. I think that any other color would've been too distracting, because each artwork is filled with so much color and detail. The contract of the white wall fits the exhibit well.

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

-In the still life exhibit there were no special materials used in the interior architecture of space for the artwork like the other exhibits. The rooms all had white walls and mabel floors. I believe it was meant to be simple, because the art pieces were so extraordinary

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

Each room had plenty of space to move around. There were artwork hanging along each wall in each still life room with artwork also in the middle of each room such as 2-D/3-D fixtures.

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

As I mentioned before in each room there were artwork hanging on each wall of the exhibit, with art pieces in the center of each room as well.

2. How are the artrworks similar?

The artworks were similar because they all represented something of real life.

3. How are the artworks different?

Each artwork was very unique and different. There were all types of mediums used. Some were photography, video, wax, wood and even a paper bag.

4. How are the artworks framed?

There were a few different methods of how the artist framed their artwork. Most paintings were framed in picture, others were just posted as is. Many of the art pieces were not framed at all. There was one piece that was very unique and it was placed inside what looks similar to a huge fish tank.

5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?

Each artwork had a description and label next to the piece. Each artwork had a white paper that listed everything about the art piece on the wall, and if it was a center piece the description would be on the nearest wall.

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

Each piece was spaced out greatly. Nothing was too close or too far apart from each other.

Art Criticism:

Exhibit

Untitled #1373

After Leslie Left

Mixed media

Artwork Information:

Mod. 11 - Blog: Video Review

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

I've decided to choose the videos Expressionism and The impact of Cubism because in the text the terms expressionism and Cubism both were interesting concepts that I wanted to learn more about.

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

Expressionism:

• Expressionism is an art movement that began in Germany
• Expressionism emphasizes on color and emotion
• The narrator explains how many artist used expressionism in their paintings

The impact of Cubism:

• Art influenced by Cezanne,African tribal art, and the art of the Lberian peninsula.
• Very popular in the 20th century
• Involves many abstract artwork
• The Cubism concept was unorthodox, not classical art at all
• 
  

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

The videos related to Expressionism and Cubism because it not only defines what the movements meant but also gave great examples and talked about the terms more in dept.

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

Both videos were a little boring, both concepts are interesting and I wish the videos kept my interest as much as reading the text did. The films added depth to my understanding of the readings and art concepts by showing examples and by expanding the definition of both concepts.

Module Ten- Art Making/Material Exploration Blog: Mask Making

Woyo

Dan

Teke

http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/

http://www.rebirth.co.za/tekemask/history.htm

I've decided to use these African mask's as inspiration because they looked cool and the meaning behind each mask was interesting. 

Woyo masks are usually painted with contrasting colors against a white background and are often worn with a full length costume made from banana leaves.The colors used in a Woyo mask have symbolic meaning and are sometimes repainted to renew its power. Woyo masks are carved for the ritual dances of the 'ndunga', a male society responsible for maintaining social order. The Woyo believe in witchcraft. Ordeals by fire and poison are used to determine the guilt of those who have been practicing sorcery.

Description of Woyo Mask-  The mask is oval shaped. The mask has basic shape elements for facial features such as rectangles for the eyes, triangles for the nose and teeth. There are also tiny spots shaped as little circles all over the Woyo mask. The mouth is open and the teeth are showing which looks very sharp. The eyes on the mask appears to be closed. The facial expression of the mask seems as if it is suppose to frighten people.

Analysis- The design elements and principles for this mask are basic. There is repeated patterns and shapes that makes a symmetrical. The rhythm of repetition colors and shapes makes the mask very interesting to look at. The mask has many elements that catches the viewers attention.

Dan- masks are sacred objects. Dan masks are used for protection and as a channel for communication with the spirit world. The Dan also carry small 'passport masks' for personal protection when they are living away from home. The Dan believe that their world is split into two domains: the human domain which is represented by the village and its people, and the spiritual domain which is represented by the forest and its spirits. When a dancer wears a Dan mask he becomes the spirit of that mask. A masked dancer will speak in the language of the spirits and his words are interpreted by a wise man.

Description of The Dan Mask- The dan mask is very simple. The mask looks similar to an Alien creature. Common shapes are what makes the facial features. All of the facial features are large and spread apart. The eyes closed and are on the Dan mask are split between a long rectangle shape that runs down the middle of the face into the nose. The mouth of the dan mask are large lips that are open.

Analysis- The design elements and principles for this mask are also simple. the whole mask is symmetrical if you split the image down the middle. Shapes and lines make up the simple features of the dan mask.

The teke mask comes from the Ogowe region in the Congo It is used to confirm the social and political structure during the Kidumu masquerade dancing ceremonies.

Description of The Teke Mask- Unlike most masks the Teke mask doesn't look like a normal face. None of the features on the mask have facial features of a human. There are shapes that may be the eyes of the mask.

Analysis-  The Teke Mask is filled with lines and shapes that makes the mask symmetrical going down the middle. The mask is filled with repeated patterns that has a certain rhythm. There are not many colors used in this mask.

Mod 10. Blog Video Review

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

I decided to watch and discuss the two video's African Art: Legacy of Oppression and Buddhism because I'm always interested in African art and African history in general so whenever I get the chance to learn more I do. I've heard many things about Buddhism but I've never watched a documentary on the subject so I decided to start now.

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

African Art: Legacy of Oppression:

• Belgium's Tervuren Museum contains the world's largest collection of Central African art
• 250,00 pieces showcased 
• Over 250 different cultures 
• Lots of abstract art that has deep meanings 
• Lots of magical, mystical artwork with meanings that represents a strong sense of motherhood and some figures only people from that society can understand (interesting fact)
• Most magical common art forms were "Masks" some mask were meant to frighten people
• 
  

Buddhism

• Buddhism started in India and quickly flourshied to many other places
• Buddha's death was considered the end of the golden age
• The Mahabodhi Temple, in Bodh Gaya; the Great Stupa at Sanchi, India; the Borobudur Temple—the largest Buddhist shrine in the world
• Buddha refused to be considered a god

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

Both videos relates to the readings in the text because because both discuss artwork and relationships culture and religion from African and Asian countries. 

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

Both films were interesting and worth watching. A lot of fascinating facts were filled in both films. They both added more understanding of the text because they added more interesting facts about some African cultures and also Buddhism.