Reflection Blog

1. What were you expectations for this course and where they met?
For this course I hoped and expected to learn about the subject of art.  I wanted to learn the terms, the styles, the periods, the masters; I wanted to be able to have a conversation about art.  I definitely know so much more about art in general after the completion of this course than i did before taking it.  Not only can I recognize specific techniques and periodic styles, I also experienced creating art and putting together pieces to create a gallery and even critiquing art.  I would say my expectations for this course were definitely met.

2. Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your initial posting?
Originally I defined art as a way of expressing oneself that can take infinite forms.  Now I would probably say the same thing, but it would have much more meaning because I have seen so many more forms that art can take.  I have seen paintings, sculptures, installations, masks, clothes, tools, crafts, carvings, prints, furniture, and so many more things all displayed as a form of art.

3. Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?
I did not have a favorite artist in my first posting, but now I do and it is Salvador Dali.  I love his works and the surrealist style is something that really intrigued me.

4. Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?
I definitely still agree with my first answer in that there are both positives and negatives with online classes, but I had never taken an online class during semester before.  The online classes I had taken before were during inter semester and I found those difficult, but taking an online class while taking other classes, working and playing lacrosse proved to be a lot harder than I thought it would be.  I probably would not try to take on that much work in the future, because online classes put so much pressure on ones self and I struggled with that.

Art Critique Reflection

1. Which projects did you review?
I looked at all of the projects on the first page of ANGEL, which included:  Architectural Creations Throughout the World by Amanda Bolibrzuch, Through the Eyes of Women and Horses in Art by Jenn Benn.
2. Why did you select the Exhibit you critiqued?
I chose to critique the project Horses in Art because at a first glance I really liked the project.  I liked how the project had a seemingly simple subject matter, but it was developed deeply.   Also, I was drawn to the fact that this project did not only have one type of art in the gallery; there were paintings, crafts, and jewelry among other things.
3. What challenges did you face in writing the critique article and how did you overcome them?
It was hard to critique the work done; the choosing of pieces and how they were laid out and what was written about them, objectively.  I tend to put a lot of myself into my work so even though I was critiquing someone else's work I found myself trying to think of why I would have chosen those pieces and put them together in that way.
4. How do you feel about critiquing your peers work?
Knowing that other people are critiquing my work makes me a little uncomfortable.  Art is a subject that I knew relatively nothing about before this class and although I know more now I definitely realize that I do not know a great deal about art and I am not claiming I do so it is hard to be confident in my work.
5. Would you like to read the critique your peers wrote about your Art Curation Project?
I would be interested in reading the critique especially to see what I could improve on and what others felt about my work.  Although I might not like what they have to say at first I am sure that other students will be respectful and constructive with their comments.
6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your finished article and why?
If I were to rate my article on a scale of 1-10 I would give myself a 10.  I used the information that I learned from the art critique videos and worked hard on writing the article and critiquing the exhibit as a true art critique would have done.
7. Did you enjoy working on this project?
I thought that this project was challenging, but I definitely enjoyed it because I was able to write a professional critique paper which is something I never imagined or thought about doing before.

Greenberg on Art Criticism: An Interview by T. J. Clark

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-Art criticism is difficult
-There are no specific guidelines for how to write art criticism, one can use reason, intuition, philosophy or aesthetics
-All art criticism deals with relevance
-Art isn't just about personal taste, but the experience that an art work brings
2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
I think that there were at least a few points made in this video that will be useful for my project. In particular when Clement Greenberg spoke of the importance of the experience an art work provides and its inspiration being more important and relevant than one's personal tastes will help me to look further into art works I may have chosen to look past before due to superficiality.
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?
I think the film was a little over my head.  A good deal of the things it covered I do not feel will have any particular relevance to my project, but it is good to have a background on criticism before trying to be a critic.  On the other hand, the information that was useful for my project was extremely useful so I think overall the video is a good one.

Greenberg on Pollock: An Interview by T. J. Clark

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-Aesthetic appeal is more important for successful artwork than technique
-Pieces that have new style and or new techniques are not always appreciated right away
-No one can predict whether a work of art will be successful or not
-There is no set formula for creating masterpieces
2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
Yes, this will help me to think about and understand what artists go through as they try new techniques, and original styles.  It helped me to realize how risky actions of artists often are, and how unpredictable the world of art is which is important to think about when thinking about how and why artists do things the way they do.
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?
This film is a good one for this project because it covers a lot about art criticism and how criticism and the success or failure of a work affects the artists who create them.

An Introduction to the Italian Renaissance

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-The Italian Renaissance returned to many of the characteristics utilized by ancient Romans
-Biblical scenes, nudes, and new views of animals can all be seen in this time
-Many Italian Renaissance artists experimented with light and shadow
2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
This video could help with my project if I critique any work from the time period of the Italian Renaissance, or ancient Rome. 
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?
This video shows how artwork is often influenced by things that came before, whether just before or from ancient times, which is important to recognize when trying to critique something.

The Critics: Stories from the Inside Pages

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-Art criticism although not appreciated by all, does serve an undeniable purpose to stir the pot and get people thinking
-Criticism can serve as entertainment
-Criticism can help get artists recognized, or help them get their big break
-Not all criticism is tastefully done, or done well
-Criticism is not the final say on a piece of art, no matter who the critic is that does the critiquing
2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
This relates to my project because it showed me that my critique can be written many different ways, even as entertainment which I am now probably going to try to do on my project!
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?
I liked how this film showed that not all criticism is done well and that the critic doesn't always have a final say on a piece of art.  It gave a realistic view of criticism; the positives and the negatives.  Also, the video shows just how unpredictable how successful a piece of art can be.

The Colonial Encounter: Views of Non-Western Art and Culture

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-Craft type art has not always been recognized  by critics
-Nationalism can often be seen in art and critics have commented on what view cultures have of foreigners based from works of art
2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
I think that this could relate to my project if I end up critiquing art with hints of nationalism, or even with craft because these were two major topics of the video.
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?
I found it interesting and thought provoking to learn that craft art was not always respected or covered by art critics and watching this video made me interested in trying to critique craft type art.

Jackson Pollock: Michael Fried and T. J. Clark in Conversation

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-Art critics are often able to uncover deeper meanings of art works that may have gone unnoticed by untrained observers
-Art critics do not always agree and can have strongly opposing views
-This does not make one critic right and the other wrong, they just have different schools of though
2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Criticism project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.
I will feel more comfortable trying to do my own critiquing of art knowing that even if I do not have the same views as my professor, other students or even known art critics it does not make my view wrong; I can have a different critique and that is okay.
3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to understanding of art criticism?
This video definitely added to my understanding of art criticism; just like there is no single formula for successful art I recognize that there is no one way to critique art.

Violence in Art

For this project I really enjoyed the opportunity to expose myself to so much art. The process of narrowing down what theme and which images I wanted to use for my exhibit was difficult because there is so much art out there. You can find any type of art on any topic so I had to do a lot of research. I picked the theme of violence in art because I felt moved by many of the images I found based on this theme and also I felt that this topic crosses boundaries of culture and society and could be understood and appreciated by anyone on an emotional level.

I debated whether or not to use images that all fit the same movement or period of art, but instead decided to pick an array of images with different types of paintings and drawings to show how prevalent the violence is in art.

Video Review Week 11

The Impact of Cubism

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

I chose this video because I recognized cubism; I know what it is and have seen it before so I thought that it would be interesting to watch and learn more about the subject.

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

-the cubism movement took a great deal of influence from African tribes

-cubism is recognized as the most influential style of the 20th century

-cubism uses techniques like abstraction and collage

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

This video related to the text by extending on what we learned about cubism and showing us many more artists that had key roles in the cubism movement such as Kazimir Malevich and Umberto Boccioni.

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

I think this video was a very good portrayal of the cubism movement.  It was able to include a lot more information about this particular movement than the text because it could go into more depth and show so many more examples, while also explaining more about how cubism came about and where cubism came from in the the first place.

Expressionism

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

I chose this video because I really enjoyed the expressionism section in the  textbook, and I have always thought that art and emotion go hand in hand which is a key concept of this movement.

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

-expressionism utilizes color to explore connections with emotion

-in addition to color, subject matter of expressionist works of art often draw out emotional responses not just from artists but also from the viewers

-this led to expressionism being quite controversial because many people felt it invaded the privacy of their emotions

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

I think this video added a lot more to understanding that artists from this movement were not always appreciated and recognized right away, such as with Edvard Munch's painting Scream  which is now recognized by most societies.

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

This video really explored how a few artists in particular played huge roles in the expressionism movement, which I think is a hard concept to grasp so seeing and listening to it again was extremely beneficial.  It is easy to look back at something in the past, but this video shows how it occurred during the movement and didn't just look back on it.

Dada and Surrealism

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

I chose this video because surrealism is so different I was sure that I would see and learn some very interesting things.

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

-surrealism uses symbolism, abstraction and emotion among other things to explore new terms

-surrealism ranges from society and politics to dreams and the subconscious in subject matters

-surrealism avoids reality

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

The videos explored many surrealist subjects and artists that were in the text such as Salvador Dali and WWI, but it also showed us more examples of surrealism and surrealist artists that are not as common (at least to me) such as Man Ray's "La Fortune". 

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

I really like this video.  It really showed me how art can relate to other subjects and I especially found the exploration of dreams, imagination and the subconscious super interesting and it all seemed to relate a lot to a philosophy class I am currently taking, too.

Matisse and Picasso

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

I chose this video because I actually recognized the names of these artists outside of this course, so I thought it would be nice to learn more about them.

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

-Matisse and Picasso are both renowned artists

-Matisse is known for rational, organized and purposeful art

-Picasso is known for his impulsive, abstract and unpredictable art

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

This video followed the careers of two world famous artists.  It followed their individual paths, which were extremely different, that both led to success and an everlasting impression in the world of art.

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

This video captured the concept of how different movements and trends and artists could all be relevant at overlapping times and places.  It is cool to see how too totally different artists could coexist and be so successful.

Blog Making Mask

 This mask is a Shipibo mask, and was made by peoples in the Ucayali River area in Peru.  It is made of carved wood and monkey hair and is fifteen inches long.  The face of the mask is carved to look like a monkey's face.  Other than the monkey hair that is attached to the outside edges of the face, it is bare.  This mask uses texture from the hair as well as the carving.  You can see the marks and bumps in the surface from whatever tool was used to carve it and the individual hairs.

This mask is a helmet type mask named Pumbu.  It's an African mask reserved for chiefs.  It is monochromatic; earthy colors browns, tans and beiges.  It has a long, narrow face, with round, relief eye holes.  The nose, ears and eye holes have white lines around them.  There is a diamond pattern covering the bottom half of the face.  There is a beard made out of a straw-type of material covering the outside edge of the mask.  The mask uses elements and principles to symbolize chiefly courage and power, such as texture in the beard.  Size and proportion of some of the facial features are exaggerated.

This mask, called Ndeemba, is used in initiation ceremonies for boys.  It is very large, and covered in a grassy, straw like material.  It has antler like projections from the top, that are used to hold decorations.  .  It has a small face and exaggerated features.  This mask is also monochromatic with the same earthy tones.  The texture of the grass is course and thick.  The antler like projections use line to bring viewer's eyes to the top of the mask.

 I used similar elements and principles that I saw in the masks that inspired me.  I used a long narrow shape for the face, and shapes for the features of the face, too.  I added texture with the ribbons, and the ribbons were monochromatic using different shades of green.  I also used color by sticking to earthy tones which was a common factor in all of the masks that inspired me.
Creating a mask was cool.  I liked researching all of the different types of mask and choosing my own that inspired me.  There were so many different directions to go with this project that it took me longer to think of what I wanted to do than to actually do it because of all of the different ideas I had.  If this project had been a few weeks earlier maybe I could've made something to use as a Halloween costume, haha!

Video Review

African Art
1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose this video because African art interests me a great deal, as does African culture.  It is one of my dreams to travel there one day. 
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-art is a part of daily life in African culture (ritual masks, tools, utensils, clothing, etc.)
-rituals included art works and preformances for different purposes including wishing for successful hunts
-African art is conceptual; comes from the artist's mind
-African art differs according to which tribe/location you are looking at
-crafts were important to all African cultures
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video went into much more depth than the book did about African art.  Instead of just a few pages, it was like having an entire chapter dedicated to this areas art, which is important because it differs greatly depending on where and what African tribe you are dealing with.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I liked how this video reiterated some of the information from the text.  IT really emphasized the importance of crafts not just in one or most African tribes, but in all of them  I think that is important.  We were also to see more about the rituals that we read about in the text, which obviously meant a great deal to these cultures since everyday life was centered around them.

Buddhism
1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.I chose this video because I am going to Thailand in January and I think that having a better understanding of Buddhism or even a basic understanding will help me appreciate more of the culture while I am there.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-symbolism is often used in Buddhist art
-architecture is an important form of art in the form of temples and shrines
-Buddhist shrines can be found in NY, not just in the far east
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video related to the text in that it not only gave some history and background on Buddhism, but it built on that and explored the different types of art that are important to this religion and culture.  I like that the video brought in Buddhism in New York and the US in general because in recent years there has been a substantial movement to Buddhism here.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
I think that not only did this video add to the depth and understanding from the class, but it will add to my future experiences when I visit and see shrines first hand.  I will be able to recognize and appreciate the symbolism and understand the idea of "tanha" that is behind all of their art somewhere.

Hinduism
1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I do not know much about Hinduism and I feel like it is commonly mistaken with other eastern religions so I would like to learn more about it.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
-heavy symbolism use
-many Gods are recognized in artwork and in prayer
-artwork is intricate and decorative
-ancient Hindu temples and shrines still exist today
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
This video relates to the text in alot of ways.  Hindu artwork is a perfect example of the spiritual realm in art, because Hinduism is such a spiritual religion.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
Learning about a religion and culture that is new doesn't only add understanding and perspective to what I know from the text but it adds to how one can tolerate and understand other cultures in life.  I think that this video about Hinduism would be a great way for art to be used to explain aspects of a culture.

The Great Wave
1. Explain why you selected each of the FOUR videos you choose from the selection listed above.
I chose this video because I enjoy Japanese art and have noticed the prevalence of waves in this culture's art and wonder if it stemmed from this one iconic piece, or if this piece was created because waves were commonly used.
2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.
 -The Great Wave is the most iconic piece of Japanese art
-it utilizes the "hanging world" technique
-some interpret this piece as a symbolic self portrait of the artist and his morals
-although this image can be seen on t-shirts and coffee cups, only a few of the historical prints exist
2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?
I think that this video goes a lot with the chapter in which we learned about iconography, because of the different interpretations of this iconic image.  Before watching the video I would have found it very difficult to believe that one could interpret this image as a self portrait of the artist, but now I understand how through symbolism this is a valid thought.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?
This video made me think a lot about other famous images that have become very popular such as the legendary photograph of the kissing couple during WW2.   I think that like that photograph, The Great Wave has lost a lot of it's value with the popularity of it. People stop looking into the piece deeply and only see the surface just like how I had no idea this piece was so symbolic even though I had actually seen it before.