Module Eight: Video Reviews

From the list of videos we could choose from, I chose The Measure of all Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure. I guess I have always been intrigued by Greek art and their attraction to the human body, which inspired me to choose that video. From More Human Than Human, the main concept addressed was the idea that the human body is all around us, including in the art world. Throughout time, and according to different cultures, the human body was defined in different ways. Some cultures such as those in Austria and Egypt made images of the human body unrealistic, by exaggerating certain parts or creating unrealistic body movements. For the Greeks they evolved to become incredibly realistic in their interpretation of the human body. Their sculptures were realistic and life-like. The idea of humans having an instinct to exaggerate the human body was described as being wired in our brains. In The Measure of all Things: Greek Art and the Human Figure the Greek interpretation of the human body was elaborated on. Sculptures of the human form done by the Greeks are shown over time, but one thing remains constant: the Greeks were obsessed with the human form. In the beginning, sculptures were not as realistic, but as time went on, Greek sculptures of the human body became realistic. Some of the chapters we have read in the text all have something pertaining to the human body in it whether it is sculpture, painting or photography. This just shows how all art forms and artists evolve around the beauty and the ever changing interpretation of the human body. I actually enjoyed watching From More Human Than Human because it began with describing different Venus sculptures, then to Egyptian sculpture, then to Greek. Finally the author wrapped the whole concept together by relating it to the experiment with the birds and the yellow stick with red stripes. I agree with the experiment seeing as it makes sense to think that we have an instinct to be drawn to an exaggerated view of something we see in every day life.

M7 - Blog: Video Review

For this assignment, I watched the videos Prairie Style and Architecture: The Science of Design. In the Prairie Style video, Frank Lloyd Wright was introduced and his impact to design was described. He had a very specific style when it came to construction of houses. Wright was very interested in creating houses that blended into the environment rather than sticking out. Wide open, horizontal spaces were used quite often as well. For the video about architecture, the popularity of high rises and vertical spaces was discussed. The narrator talked about the structure of high rises as well as an increase in the use of concrete. Also, the evolution of living spaces was talked about including the smart apartment, which is a living space where everything is controlled from a computer. The videos relate to the readings in the text because they both go more in depth about topics that were introduced in the readings. In the text Frank Lloyd Wright is talked about briefly, but the videos discuss more about his design concepts. The films were both very interesting and informative which added to my understanding of architecture. I did not know much about architecture before this module so it was interesting to learn all of these new concepts. I never really knew how much went into architectural design, including materials and issues like wind and weight. I chose these films randomly from the list of videos to watch, and I'm glad I chose them. Both left me with more knowledge about architecture and what is behind it.

Module Six - Blog: Video Review

When watching the videos it is easy to relate the information to what was read in the text. The key concepts I got from the video Eyes of the Sculptor were the processes of creating sculptures and the thought process coming first hand from an artist himself. This relates to the text because the chapters read also discuss the processes of sculpture. Seeing this video adds depth to my understanding of sculpture because  I am able to see how it is actually done rather than just reading about it. Seeing the sculpting experience from an actually artist broadens my horizon about the subject and allows me to understand it more. From the video about glass and ceramics, the key concepts I got from that video were the fact that glass is all around us and its uses are really limitless. I think we don't really realize how many things are made from glass and how it is such a universal material. This relates to the text because in the text we read about the beginning of the use of glass and how it has made its impact on our history. In the video, we see more of how glass and ceramic is used in modern day. Regardless of time period, both materials are very popular. The video added to my knowledge by seeing the process of making glass and ceramic and what it can be made into.

Module Six - Blog: Reviewing Peer Responses to Artwork

Blogs I visited:

http://asarcinelli.blogspot.com/
http://inquirethearts.blogspot.com

When looking at Sara's elements and principles I was definitely able to relate to what she was seeing. I do think that everyone can analyze things differently but I can look at what others view as elements and principles and understand their point of view. I think it is easy to spot other elements and principles in the photos just because a really common on such as color can be pretty much universal in all things that we see.

A common thing I noticed when looking at project 2 was that we all seem to have a certain feeling or mood inside when looking at pieces that make an impression on us. It is hard to describe that feeling to others but everyone can look at something and just be blown away with the impact that it gives. There were not any artworks in common in either blog but there was a painting in Anthony's that is at the Albright that I have seen a few times and was curious to know more about it as well.

The Chandelier for One of Many Possible Ends by Phillip Stearns that Sara listed in her blog was an installation that piqued my interest. I haven't been to Burchfield in a while and seeing that installation definitely inspired me. In her blog she talked about her initial reaction to the piece and then what it actually meant, and that interested me. We always have a first impression of an artwork but sometimes reading about what it really means can change that impression.

I like being able to visit other blogs and read what my peers have to reflect on. I always have an open mind and I can appreciate what others have to say. Art can be translated so differently for different people so it's fun to see what other people find interesting or what causes them to think. I think it's valuable in my learning because it is allowing me to see other peoples opinions and see what everyone else's point of view is.

Art Gallery Visit

The two pieces that made the most impact to be were Wall Drawing #1268 by Sol LeWitt and Room No.2 by Lucas Samaras. Both pieces gave me a very strong first impression because they are so interesting! What I found to be most interesting about the wall drawing was that it was an actually drawing on the wall. The description next to the piece describes how it took sixteen people and 1,717 pencils to create this piece. The mirrored room makes an impact all in itself. What fascinates me is how the artist decided to put this together with the viewer in mind. When you step inside the room it's like being in a different galaxy or something.

The artworks I felt a connection with were both on the romantic side, with a little twist. The first piece is The Flying Fish by Marc Chagall and the second is Spring by Ben Stahn. The reason I felt such a connection with these is that they both seem to have love/marriage as an inspiration. Both pieces also had interesting subjects in the background such as a fish, or a miniature couple jumping rope. Love is certainly a strange emotion that is different to every person and I can see that in both paintings. I'm sure everyone has experienced that in some way, and can feel that connection with these pieces.

The pieces I would like to know more about are Civil Tapestry 5 by Theaster Gates and Untitled by Oliver Mosset. Civil Tapestry 5 is actually made out of fire hoses which is so amazing to me. What makes me curious though is the reason behind it. Was the artist paying homage to firefighters or maybe just simply using the hoses as a medium because it is so different? The piece by Oliver Mosset also makes me wonder what the motive was behind it. Is it a large scale tic tac toe or a bunch of "xo" symbols that represent hugs and kisses? I could always do a little research behind both pieces and I'm sure I will because I'm that kind of person, but it is fun to just let your imagination take over and to try and figure it out on your own, as a viewer of the art.