Art Criticism: Project #5

1. Which projects did you review?

I reviewed Devon Mussachio’s Wild Women Exhibition: The Beauty and Power of Mother Nature. It was a compilation of pieces that depicted the female body and its connection with nature and the earth.

2. Why did you select the Exhibit you critiqued?
I selected this exhibit because being a Women/Gender studies student, it really spoke to me in that it was about the beauty of being a woman as well as its connection with nature, another beautiful thing in this world.

3. What challenges did you face in writing the critique article and how did you overcome them?
It was hard to look at the exhibit in an objective manor especially when art is such a subjective part of life. I just tried to remind myself of the elements and principles of art and what would be appealing to the masses. At the end I couldn't help but put my own two cents in on the exhibit but I think it added a personable touch.

4. How do you feel about critiquing your peers work?
I think it's great being able to view my classmates work and see what type of art they are interested in. I like getting different perspectives on things and being able to see others creations and thoughts on the material is really rewarding.

5. Would you like to read the critique your peers wrote about your Art Curation Project?
I would love to see what people wrote about my exhibit. I have always been accepting to criticism being an athlete but I would like to see how it differs when people have something to say about my creativity and artistic skills!

6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your finished article and why?
I would rate my article at a 7 I think because it may have been too subjective and comprising of my personal opinion rather than focusing at the techniques, element and principles. But at the same time I thought I was able to grasp the exhibit and represent it well to an audience.

7. Did you enjoy working on this project?
I did like working on this project because it allowed me to view my classmates work as well and give my opinion on it. 

Art Gallery Visit #3

These self portraits are exhibited in the ROCHESTER MEMORIAL ART GALLERY.

E.E. Cummings

Jerome Myers

Alex Katz

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?
I chose these three pieces because I thought each one brought a different light to how self portraits can be done. E.E. Cummings is very detailed and clean, Jerome Myers is more free-handed and sketchy, and Alex Katz is more cartoon or character like.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?
I chose just using pencil because its simple and I really like the sketch and messy lined look of drawings. I think it adds character and its not as clean cut.

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?
I'm not a very good artist as it is but other than that I had a hard time with proportions. My head is very squished and non proportional in my portrait. So I just kind of went with it and turned it more into a messy, abstract look like Myers did in the portrait above.


4. How does this piece represent you?
I think it represents me in that it is me reflecting on myself. There are obviously some distortions and kinks that need to be worked out, just like anyone has things they need to work on with themselves, but the first step to doing that is knowing and reflecting on them.

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?
I tried to add in some shading by smudging the pencil along the areas where there was a shadow. I don't know how successful it was but I remember seeing my sister use that technique in some of her pieces.

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. I love the hands on aspect of it and although it was hard and the ending result wasn't how I envisioned it, it's always good to get your ideas and thoughts down on paper and express some creativity once in awhile.


7. What do you think of your final artwork?
I didn't have very high expectations of it and I think the best part of it is my hair, but other than that I don't think it is very accurate. But at the same time it's my work and I know I put in the effort and really liked doing it, so therefore I think it was successful.

Project 4-POP ART exhibit

I decided to choose the theme of Pop Art because: 1) I find the bold colors and subject matter interesting, simple and intriguing and 2) I have been hooked on watching the show Mad Men on television and that is the style of art that is portrayed throughout the show.

I remember my sister telling me a little about Pop Art when we were visiting the Albright Knox and it immediately caught my attention. I loved finding all the pieces throughout my project and exploring the different kind of "pop prints" and art that was around during that early 1960 time period. I used ArtLex to look up several artists and used about two of their pieces in my exhibit.

Jim Dine's Tool Box 6 and James Rosenquist's Marilyn are my favorited pieces I used in my powerpoint. I loved Dine's collage because it had such a nostalgic feeling that made me want to hear stories from my parents childhood. Rosenquist's print of Marilyn Monroe was another one of my favorites because I think it had a strong underlying meaning. Having a background in women/gender studies, I interpreted the print of being very objectifying of women because of its use of only her body parts and just a few letters from her name.

James Rosenquist, Marilyn

Jim Dine, Tool Box 6

Module 10 Video Post

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

-Buddhism: I selected this video because the religion of Buddhism has always interested me and I wanted to see the artistic aspect of it.

-The Great Wave: I selected this video because I have seen this painting all over but never knew anything about it or even that it was a famous painting. Plus I love the ocean!


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

-There is rich architecture where the Buddhist religion is practiced such as the Shakarama, the Torana, and the Mahabodi Temple which are mentioned in the beginning of this video. Also in Sanchi, India, which is a large worshiping place for Buddhist's, art is portrayed in thier stupas which are worshiping places and examples of narrative art.

-It is an image on the verge of chaos that has been used for political cartoons, tattoos, and novelty items. It was created after unfortunate and chaotic events that happened in the artists life that influenced such a successful print. It is considered one of the greatest portrayals of the sea.

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

-The stupas are mentioned in our book and how they are covered in carvings of animals and depictions of the culture that surrounded the Buddhist religion. Our reading also describes the indirect portrayals of Buddha himself by showing footprints to indicate his presence rather than a blunt picture or carving of himself.

-Hokusai's work is mentioned in our reading of how his "throw away souveniers" became lasting and remembered works of art with time. He was an craftsmen of the Edo period who was not recognized as an artist until just recently.

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

-I loved learning more about the Buddhist religion and it is depicted in art. I like how it influences people to dig a little deeper to find meaning in the carvings and architecture to relate to their religion. I thought it added more visuals to what we read in our book and I was able to gain a better perspective of it all.

-I liked how the people interviewed in this video perceived The Great Wave. My favorite perspective was how it is a depiction of what is such a peaceful aspect of nature on the verge of chaos and destruction. I think it enhanced my knowledge of the reading and Japanese art because I have such a passion for the ocean so I was able to really relate and was fascinated with this specific piece of art.

Module 9 Video Post

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

-The Night Watch (Rembrandt):  I selected this video because I remember my sister saying she liked Rembrant so I was curious to see what his style was.

-Botticelli's La Primavera: I selected this video because of the controversial and unknown meaning of the painting.

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

-The painting is full of question and emotion. It is a ritual for the people of Amsterdam to see the painting at least once in their life. It was such an innovative piece for that time period and is rich with history beneath the paint.

-It is a mysterious painting that holds so many questions. There are several random people brought together in an unexplainable way. People aren't sure whether the painting is a portrayal of sexual permissiveness, seasons, or botany and the title "La Primavera" which is Italian for "spring" does not give much information to find Botticelli's meaning.

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

-It was a product of the Baroque era which was a movement during the 17th Century that focused more on displaying emotion and energy. This was successful in The Night Watch because each man of the militia has a different and unique facial expression and body language.

-This is a painting of the Renaissance in Italy. Greek and Roman gods and goddesses were popular subject matter during this time period and is portrayed in La Primavera. Botticelli's style also influenced the philosophy known as Neo-Plaonism, which was mentioned in our book as well.

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

-The Night Watch video was informative and interesting. I liked how they interviewed observers perspectives of the painting in the gallery and also how we got to see the reenactment of the painting by live people. It also reenforced the concept of "rebirth" during the Renaissance and how such new concepts and techniques were introduced in art. 

-The La Primavera video definitely made me look at the painting and really try to find some connection or meaning of it. Now learning more about it, I find it fascinating how one painting can cause viewers so much chaos, confusion and inspiration to dig to find the answer. I also thought this was a good example of Renaissance art because again it was a foreign look to people during that time.

La Primavera by Botticelli

The Night Watch by Rembrandt

Exploring Line

(left) dominant hand drawing/(right) non-dominant drawing

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

 I thought it was cool to use my hand as the subject because I actually had to look and observe the lines and edges of something that I see and use everyday but never take the time to look at it. I enjoyed reacquainting myself to both hands during the process!

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

I used charcoal because I have yet to use it and also because my pencils were dull and I didn't have access to a pencil sharpener. Yet I find myself to enjoy charcoal better because I like how it appears a little darker and edgier than just pencil.

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

It was uncomfortable at first but once I got going I kind of had fun with it. I knew it wasn't going to perfect or even aesthetically pleasing, but it was still an interesting exercise.

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

I don't really know if it was successful just because I don't have much of an artistic eye for shading and line but I really enjoyed attempting it and just kind of scribbling away at my own leisure. I think I like my non-dominant drawing better too because I wasn't trying to be perfect with my lines and felt a lot looser with the sketch.

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

Yes I would definitely use my left hand again when making artwork, simply because it is fun and rids me of the pressure I put on myself when using my dominant hand. 

Installation Sculpture

1. What is installation art?

Installation art is when an artist specifically places objects together in a particular space that strengthens the artist's message.

2. What materials are used installation art?

Any objects can be used in installation art. For example, in our book, one piece involved everyday objects such as buckets, spoons, aluminum foil and string. It is how they are presented in their area that completes the piece.

For my installation piece I used old books from our local flea market and wooden  frames that I lightly coated with white paint. I placed them in the brick fireplace at my sister's apartment. When I was looking at the fireplace I pictured a window or kind of pathway into the unknown. That's why I went with the empty frames and books. When looking through them you can feel like there's an endless path or journey. 

I took more of the "Self Theme" because as young students we are still growing and learning about ourselves and trying to start on the right paths of our lives. I thought that the books and frames somewhat represented that in the fact that they are types of windows leading into further things.