Week #10 Mask

Inspirations

African Igala Mask

This mask drew my attention becuase of the beautiful color and organic flow. The crown and war paint show royalty and importance. This mask may have been worn by an African warrior or prince.  The detail is amazing and the colors they were able to make are outstanding.  

Native American Hiada Mask

This mask made my laugh. His mustache captured my eye, as well as the bright blue paint. This mask is very symmetrical which is traditional for native American art. This mask depicts a Native American and does an awesome job because of the colors and his tan skin. This mask looks like it would be a western Native American Mask, maybe found in Arizona or New Mexico. Once again the colors are what attached me to this mask. 

Bolivian Diablo Mask

This mask is my favorite. The bright colors and detail are breath taking. This mask looks very asian inspired so i chose this because of its flow and bright colors. This mask has a sense of chaos and harmony at the same time. This may have been warn in war or for ceremonial purposes. 

I chose these three masks instantly because of their amazing bright colors. The brighter the colors the more beautiful the mask in my opinion. 

Some ideas:

FINAL MASK

For my mask i wanted there to be an element of symmetrical art as well as bright colors and a sense of flow. I used the tree masks above as inspiration. However if i were to do the mask again i would have left it white because i think the color would have popped more. Overall i am happy with my mask!! The websites definitely helped my find an inspiration. I chose traditional colors, red blue yellow green orange and purple. I wanted to used colors such as teal and fucia but i know these colors cant be made naturally and if i were to really make a mask i would use natural colors made from berries and such. 

Week #10 Video Blog

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

I chose African Art, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Chinese art because I wanted to learn more about them. They were all explained in the book but I am interested in finding out more about the pieces and inspirations, and how these cultures inspired other arts.

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

African Art

·      Art is apart of everyday life in villages of sub Sahara were the traditions are still strong.

·      In sub sahara African aesthetic sense is shows in dress, hair styles and ornamentation rituals and art performance.

·      Egyptian and sahara art and architecture both show influences of agriculture. They show bronze castings that date back to the 15^th century.

·      In Zimbabwee A royal area in south east African shows how symbolic art and architecture is.

·      African art influences Picasso and othr painters

·      Supernatual powers are controlled in art objects. Magic and religion play a role in African art.

·      Masks are stylized and embellished. They are used to dances around fire.

Buddhism

·      Buddhist fact and legend intertwine in Bodha Gaya.

·      Tanha is the key to teaching and it’s the extinguishing of all desires and all things that feed the ego and enlightenment.

·      After his death Buddhism broke away into two parts Hinayana and mahanyana

·      In Carmel NY the Chuan Yen Monastery is a building complex dedicated to Buddhism.

·      The largest statue of Buddha is here.

·      Buddhism started off by repudiating rituals, questions, prayer and the idea of a period god. Buddhism is now a symbol of these.

Hinduism

·      Varanasi is the holiest city in India and there is the River Ganges which is the symbol of life death and rebirth.

·      God and Goddess function are similar to Christian saints.

·      Their architecture it full of sculptures.

·      Shrines in Mamallapuram are carved from single boulders and are decorated.

·      Brahma meaning the Great Breath. Hinduism teaches that there are many ways to God and many gods symbolize them.

Chinese Art

·      Narcissus pot with rich lustrous glaze

·      We view a chicken bowl, and tea bowls from the Zhou dynasty and a Qing cylindrical curio cabinet. All in which are beautifully crafted.

·      Jade plays a big role in Chinese art

·      We view a perfumer decorated with dragon motifs

·      A wine warming vessel.

·      Floral prints also play a major role in Chinese art. We view a teapot with a landscape design.

·      Buddha- a golden Buddha in a lotus positions on a throne.

·      Chinese penmen ship is impeccable. We see calligraphy depicting a way scene. The Tang Dynasty court ladies play their music.

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

Each of these videos elaborates more on the readings. They show more interesting pieces of art and explain the background of the culture more. These videos help me to understand the material more clearly.

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

The films add depth to my understanding of the reading and art concepts because it is also good to hear or watch another view of the topic. I enjoyed seeing more pieces of art in these videos and learning about the different culture or Hinduism and Buddhism. These videos explain the overall concept of the text more clearly. Sometimes hard to understand, but overall I find them helpful. 

Week #9

1. What was it like using your hand as subject matter for a drawing?
Your hand has so much detail. It took me a while to make it really look like my hand and not just someone else’s hand. It was challenging but I enjoyed it.


2. What media did you select - pencil or charcoal? Why?
I used graphite because it is easy to erase and enhance.


3. How did it feel to create a drawing with your non-dominant hand?
I felt like I was drawing like a 2 year old! I did not like using my left hand because I was very uncomfortable.


4. Compare and contrast your final drawings. Do you think they are successful studies?
My left hand has much more detail because I was able to concentrate on the detail of the hand, with my right have I was focusing on just making lines! In the end I kind of like my non-dominant drawing more.


5. Would you consider using your non-dominant hand to create artwork in the future?
I would like to try painting with my left hand or doing another form of design. I thought it was interesting using my non-dominant hand because I paid more attention to the structure and it also took me a lot longer to complete.

week #9 Video Blog

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

I Chose these four videos becuause I wanted to learn more about Michelangelo and Di Vinci. Theyr works are truly amazing and I wanted to watch them to see art work from both of these master painters. Also I wanted to see the diversity in their work since both of them are considered to be men that can do it all.

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

The Drawings of Mielangelo:

·         Studying drawings at the British Museum, the Ashmolean Museum, and other renowned institutions, the program presents detailed analysis of the Pieta, the colossal David, the Sistine Chapel ceiling, The Last Judgment, the Medici tomb, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It also provides insight into Michelangelo’s tools, techniques, stylistic evolution, and sexuality.

·         Michelangelo denied the influence of Ghirlandaio in his work, comparisons reveal the similarity between the two artists.

·         Michelangelo taught himself to sculpt. The "Pieta" is a signature piece for the great sculptor. His knowledge of human anatomy was staggering for the time.

·         In 1508, Angelo begins painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Many surviving drawings show the artist's preparation work for his greatest, but most difficult work.

·         Contemplating his own death, Michelangelo creates his crucifixion drawings,

Leonardo da Vinci : The mind of the Renaissance

·         At the age of twenty, Leonardo is accepted into the painters' guild, and his creative imagination serves the pomp of the Medici court well. He caricatures the faces of the men involved in the slander against him

·         Lorenzo de Medici sends Leonardo to the court of Milan as a musician. When he arrives, he presents himself as a military engineer armed with intricate drawings of weapons and machinery. The "Virgin on the Rocks" is rich with symbolism.

·         A s an inventor he studies machines and tries to remakr them.

·         Da Vinci begins to organize shows in Milan and soon becomes the court painter, begins his treatise on painting, and produces a four-volume treatise on flight.

·         At 50 he paints the Mona Lisa and when he treutn to Florience in 1503 everyone gathers around to see his work.

·         He died at 67 after movingt o the Vatican and becoming the first engineer, painter, and architect to the king.

Image of a Master

·         Albrecht Durer is said to be one of the greatest artists in the northern Renaissance. The influenced of his father who was a goldsmith and his god father was one of Germanys finest printers .

·         First true landscape artsits

·         In Germany during the Protestant Reformation he gives visual expression by Mass printing and luckily had the support of Martin Luther.

The night Watch

·         Rebrandt was the painter of Frans Banning Cocq’s militaia company, he added the drama and gravity to the work.

·         His painting is huge! (11 x 14) and became an object of pilgrimage for the Dutch and millions of other internation visitors. This painting has been thru it all, it was violated in many ways; slashed with a knife, attacked with acid, and drenched with water.

·         His job was ceremonial.

·         "The Night Watch" breaks all the conventions of civic guard portraits because of it movement and dramatic use of light. The little girl is sheer magic--Rembrandt’s surprise.

·         The huge painting didn’t fit in the door way of the town hall and was cut down to fit

·         Modern artists disassemble “The Night Watch,” putting pieces of it into modern art renditions designed to create "different perspectives." An artist puts the figures into new environments and calls it irony.

·         This masterpiece was reworked and transformed into a gay nightlife scene of the 60s and 70s

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

These videos relate to the text because they expand the description of these works of art, and seeing them and listening to the narrators help me to understand the history.

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

I enjoy the videos because they help me to understand the material better. Seeing them in a different perspecitve adds to my knowledge and expans my understanding. I think that they are very helpful and they expand on more of the reading.

week #8

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

I selected the Black Death in Tuscany because I was interested to watch how art was affected. And I chose the videos on Greece because I miss it there so much and love seeing the beauty of my favorite city in the world, my home.

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

More Human than Human:

Art of everyday life has such a powerful meaning to us. When ancient’s artists created their world. It helped create ours by viewing their masterpieces. We so attracted to bodies that we do not all have, we are attracted to humans that do not look like us, no one walks around half naked like the billboards, but we wish we looked like them.

            In the early 1900s a 25 thousand year old statue was found, the Venus of Willendorf. This 10cm statue is worth close to 60 million dollars. This is the first clue of why humans are so attracted to unrealistic images. Why is this fat woman so praised?

The Black Death Visits Tuscany:

            Between 1200 and 1350 after the Roman Empire, Italy would never be the same. The renaissance was born and it was a new beginning.  In the 1300s Tuscany was as its peak, roads buildings houses palaces and Cathedrals were built all over. More gold was in the hands of more people then ever in history. Florence and Sienna had been at war for more then 200 years and peace was finally in fight. The population was expanding, so was the city. The City walls still stand. Later the two rival cities began to compete with each other. However still standing is a cathedral in Sienna that is sill not finished, showing the lack of fortune. Debt took over the city, and it crumbled.

The Plague had traveled from China to Europe from fleas on merchants; death is the effect. Crisis has broken out in Florence when the banks closed. It soon reaches Tuscany and took over the city, half the population in Europe died.

            The plague physically changed the cities in Europe and affected the arts. Emotions are taken out of paintings and images become must flatter. It seems that the skill of artists has moved backwards, more complex paintings were done hundreds of years before. Art because darker and reflects hell and sin.

The Greek Awakening:

            Athens is the capital of Greece housing more then 4 million people, half of the population. It is said to be the largest village in Greece. Athens is the birthplace of the western civilization. The great awakening occurred.  You don’t know whom you are until you know where you come from, and I come from Greece so I appreciate its beauty and how it has transformed the world. History comes from Greece and this is one thing that; I have been told by my father my entire life.

            The Acropolis was built for the goddess Athena. Over three millions tourists a year come to visit from all over the world. 10 thousand people a day go to visit, I have had to honor of going several times. Athens was transformed from a city of wood to a city of Marble. The acropolis is the center view of Athens, you cannot go there without visiting this beautiful masterpiece.

            Pollution is eating away at the Marble of the Parthenon. New Marble may be added to help support the structure. It is a symbol of humans and the western civilization.

Greek art and the Human Figure:

            7^th century b.c.e was when artists used their eyes to discover natural form and use realism to create these masterpieces. Greeks made the human body more beautiful and fit then ever. Humans were shown in 3D and in movement, they tried something that was never done before. Pottery is found everywhere, in the metro system in Athens you can view these findings, they are beautiful, every time I go to Greece there are more and more sculptures on display.

            Greeks capture the perfect human. And now we are obsessed with that body.

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

These videos relate to the text because they expand the description of these works of art, and seeing them and listening to the narrators help me to understand the history and the effects art has on the world and the creation of humans.

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

           

            Every week I enjoy watching these videos because they help me understand the material.  Hearing the narrators and looking at the art really brings the pieces to life, more so then looking at them in the book. Looking at the insides of cathedrals on video show the size and massiveness of the buildings.  Also seeing the detail of the sculptures and beauty of the paintings and pottery are so much more visible and apparent. 

week #7

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

Prairie Style:

Frank Lloyd Wright was the first to build with open floor plans. He has influenced architecture around the world. He felt that homes should reflect the time and place in which they stand. He opened up homes so one room linked to another. He moved the fireplace to the center freeing up the walls for windows. He brings down the ceiling forcing the eye out the window. He also designs the homes to follow the sun. He wanted privacy, you can’t see in, but you can see everything. He influenced other architects such as Ron Thom who was inspired by Wrights organic style.

Architecture: The science of Design

         Because of the discovery of concrete and steel, skyscrapers were then possible. Building “up” brings on tons of possibilities in housing and other businesses. Buildings are made by pile drivers up to 60 meters down until it can be supported. Or they are placed on concrete slabs. The wind plays a huge role in the type of structure. Building models does Wind Tunnel Testing and using a giant ventilator to make the wind, speed and turbulence is collected and then send to the architect to see what type of weather the building can withstand. Trees may be planted in certain spots to break up the wind pattern.

Smart apartments or houses can be controlled entirely by a computer. All the electronics are connected and controlled, the lights, shades, appliances; you name it, the computer does it.

Computerized voice systems have also come into play. They recognize our voice and are then activated, to turn on the lights, tv, and anything else electric in your home.

         There are ruins still standing made by the Greeks and Romans from thousands of years ago. Now we go another step and reinforce the concrete with steel and metal.

Classical Architecture:

         A Classic architectural style is used to show importance, such as the home of the President. Greek and Roman influence is all over. The home of the Queen in English is surrounded by modern architecture, but it stands in its classical style and a beautiful work of art. Renaissance architecture is also found in England. Lord Burlington of England went to Italy to study Palladio’s work. These beautiful buildings stand out among British style. Neoclassical Design is the next movement; the Greek orders, or columns also influence this style.

Frank Gehry: Architecture as Art

         Frank Gehry makes art when he designs buildings, he doesn’t like to remake anything or copy another building. He is very critical on himself but uses this so evolve and create new things. Sketches are the first step, and then innovation and creativity take over.  First Frank made residential homes, moving onto large-scale projects that take in sculpture as apart of his work.

         Building and location plays a role in his work. There is also a harmonic relationship between the space and its users. Natural light and functionality are key aspects to his work as well as experimenting with materials.

         He uses new technology to design these masterpieces. He can now analyze and calculate measurements digitally; of course hand drawn sketches are still done. Now anything can be done.

        

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

        

These videos explain in more depth the great influence of Greek and Roman Architecture around the world. The videos also relate to the text because of the explanation of materials as well as new innovations and technology used in building these beautiful works of art. The videos also explain the process of which a building is made, as well as the perspective of the architect.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?

        

I enjoy watching these films, I think they help my understanding of the material in the text as well as add to my knowledge. Seeing these building bring on new views as well as a new perspective of the work, knowing the time and work that goes into it. Also watching these videos I begin to form an appreciation for the architecture, these beautiful building are truly pieces of art.

4. From the group of four that you had a choice: Why did you choose that film?

         I chose Frank Gerhy: Architecture as art; because I truly think that architecture is a work of art. The time and passion of these building take more then a painting. These architects dedicate their life to making these structures. They are so knowledgeable and without them I wouldn’t have a home. 

Project #3

1.

A. What is installation art?

Installation art is referred to the placement of artwork in an exhibition space. With installation art an artist modifies a space in some way and then asks us to enter explore and experience it. Some installations may remind us of places our mind invents in dreams.

B. What materials are used installation art?

Any type of material can be used in installation art. Some artists use personal things, video, and sculpture. Light is used as well as the architectural space itself.

C. Why make installation art? 

Artist make installation art for the same reason they make anything art, to express themselves and their emotions. Art arts start somewhere, usually with an inspiration. My inspiration was myself, I used the things I love and that represent me.

        

D. Which artist/installation did I find most interesting?

I think that the work done by Thomas Hirschhorn is the most interesting. I enjoyed reading about his piece “Jumbo Spoons and Big Cake” He loaded the space with things that symbolize famine war, and gaping disparities in wealth. His work is amazing and represents worldly problems that need to me talked about.

        
2. Include answers from Step 4.

A. From the material reviewed, is there a inspiration piece that I feel a connection with?

I used JUMBO SPOONS AND BIG CAKE as my inspiration, I used everything items that mean something to me. I chose hair and makeup items because of my job (as a hair stylist) and they are the things I love.

B. What theme do I want to explore in my installation? Refer to your textbook if you need to review Themes of Art. (chapter 3 in text)

(Nature, Environment, Self, Mass Media, Consumerism, etc.)

The theme of my installation is self, as well as consumerism. These items mean something to me, and being apart of the service industry I consider shopping a major problem in my life, which makes me extremely happy.

C. What materials will I use?

I chose eye shadow, makeup, nail polish, and hairspray because I am a hair stylist and these items consume my life daily.

D. Where will this installation be located and why?

These installations will be located in my bedroom because this room truly represents me.

3. Include digital images from Step 6

4. Describe your installation.

Self Expression by Alexandra Damis

My installation is 14.5 x 11.5 inches. The materials used are MASS APPEAL flyers which is a fashion show I’m styling for on November 5, which has taken up my life! There are Vanity Salon cards because this is the salon I work at. And I also have hairspray nail polish and makeup in my installation as well.

5. Analyze your installation. Be sure to use the worksheet from Project #3 as your guide.

Color played a huge role in my installation; I specifically chose certain nail polishes because they match the flyer in the background. Also I chose the eye shadow I use the most as well as silver make up brushes because they have straight lines and their metallic finish contrasts with the flyers in the back.

6. What are your thoughts on the planning and creation of a site specific installation?

I thought about where I wanted to have my installation located before I started. If my materials were larger I would have set them up somewhere else, but I chose a box to keep the items closely together. If I was an artist making an installation for a museum I would have used the same items but enlarged them to take up the entire space. I took the pictures at the angles I did to make it seem as if you were in a room filled with these objects. I enjoyed this assignment because I was able to express myself.