Non Western Art Blog 8

Fernando Botero was born Colombian in 1932. Botero’s art encounters did not happen in Colombian, but in Europe starting in the 1950’s. Botero made his work simple and s developed his own styles that included oversized, grotesque, figures and inflated still life’s that took up a whole composition area.

Botero’s oil painting entitled Dancing in Colombia was created in 1980. This painting is a great representation about a scene from his native country, Colombia. He is depicting a scene in a club that offers music and dance. If you notice that the musicians are larger than the dancers, it made me wonder was this on purpose? When looking at the musician I noticed they look very crowded in the small room. I think Botero did this to so how lively the café is and can be. Also all the used cigarettes butt on the ground show that there had been a good amount of people that have come and enjoyed the club and the music. Overall this was a great work. I personally chose this painting because night clubs remind me of the leisure time in San Diego and the excitement great music and a great club can bring to a group of people.

Non Western Blog 7

When searching for a non- western artist I was really drawn to the different African artists. The one that stood out the most was Hargreaves Ntukwana (1938 – 1999), who was a South African Artist. He also was an accomplished sculptor and musician. From his work I chose the painting Township Blues created in 2005. When studying out the title in comparison to the work it is amazing how much the two a line with each other. The term township in countries in Africa like Zimbabwe was used to point out segregated parts in the residential area. When looking at the work we can see three home’s in remotely same area. The homes in the work are very simple and each home is surrounding by two people except for the middle one which has three. I think Ntukwana did this to create the look of a “township.” The other part to the title is the “Blues.” When speaking of colors in a figurative way I connect the color blue with specific emotions, such as Peace, tranquility, or even depression. When we take another glimpse at the work, and especially at the three people in the middle there faces are not peaceful, but sadder or even portraying depression. With those two sub thoughts from the title “Township Blues,” Ntukwana is trying to shows the negative side of segregating people from each other. I think this is important message because having the sense of belong to a group is an important human existence.

Contemporary Virtual Exhibit

Exhibit theme is based off the works of Jacob Lawrence and Gwendolyn Knight which capture moments of African Americans making progress in their everyday life (religion, family, work, ect.). Also the theme is to show the things and ideas that have captured and transformed African- American culture.

Jacob Lawrence (Sept.7, 1917- June 9, 2000) was well- know African American painter during the twentieth century. The style he used was “dynamic cubism.” He did not account his influence to French art, but to shapes and colors of Harlem. His national fame came in his twenties with the creation of the “Migration Series,” and still has effect on audiences today, even with his passing in 2000. The works I have included in this exhibit capture African American in their daily progress in life.

The first piece is entitled the Confrontation at the Bridge created in 1975. If you view my last blog, I included a more in-depth aesthetic reaction to the work, but I will give a quick recap.

http://www.jkrweb.com/heroes/image/Confrontation_at_the_Bridge_1975_Jacob_Lawrence.jpg

My aesthetic reaction to the work was that of amazement because it captures a group of people coming to together in order to bring a change that I am feeling in today’s culture. This compels me to have that drive and desire to fight for my beliefs to be heard and considered. It belongs to this exhibit because this work portrays progress that is being made socially, and in their personal lives and the lives of other.

The next work is a Lawrence’s self-portrait which is entitled Self- Portrait created in 1977.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/Lawrence_Jacob_Self-Portrait_1977.jpg

I chose this work because I feel he is portraying progress by painting himself. I feel by him portraying himself he is letting the world know that I have made a mark not only in the African American art world, but in all Americans art worlds. This is even more powerful when look back at when his was born and how far and how much America had changed when this portrait was made. This I say is a major form of progress.

http://www.ajkollar.com/catalog/lawrence_carpenters.jpg

The final piece by Lawrence is entitled Carpenters created in 1977. I love this work because shows African Americans working hard. I believe that progress cannot be achieved unless a strong work ethic is inside the people pushing for that. I believe that Lawrence knew that and worked hard to portray this in his work.

The next artist in this exhibit is Gwendolyn Knight (April 20, 1914- Feb. 18, 2005) who was married to Lawrence. Like her husband she too was an African American artist from Barbados. Her work did not get seriously exhibited until the 1970’s. Her teacher included both her husband and Augusta Savage. This gave the stepping stone to her receiving many awards from two honorary doctorate degrees and the National Honor Award. Even though she is gone her and her husband major contributions to the arts are still being felt by artists today.

The first piece entitled Pleas, and Thank You was created in 1991 and shows the importance of giving thanks. Many times when progress is made we forget to remember how far we have come and to thank the people who sacrificed for that progress. I would include this piece because I believe that a part of progress is by the action of being thankful and grateful, so that other know their work was not in vain. This in long run will possibly motivate others to bring change because of the appreciation that is shown.

http://www.artsconnected.org/media/e3/9d/62827c9feb0524fc54f6f6ea96a3/300/300/3013.jpg

http://www.jacobandgwenlawrence.org/artandlife04.html

The above link sends you to Knight work entitled Lullaby created in 1992. I believe this piece shows progress because it shows a mother caring for her child. Even though it does not show a political campaign for progress or workers working hard, I believe the influence between mother and child is an important bond that ties in with progress. You can start progress by caring for the future leaders and I believe this work potrays this.

The next work entitled The Stories created in 1999 is a great work to finish the exhibit. When looking at this image you see three different people of different skin color standing close. This work portrays progress in the area of accepting different cultures, no matter your color which for many years was a struggle for the African Americans.

http://www.jacobandgwenlawrence.org/artandlife04.html

I believe these six works all show different aspects of progress and capture moments that deserve to be preserved and shared to show the world progress can be achieved even in littlest of things, like care for a child or matching against a confrontation.

Moving Forward, Not Back

In picking my piece to critique I was inspired by the information learned in the assignment about the Harlem Renaissance (1924-1931). From the list on blackboard I reviewed different works from Aaron Douglas to Lois Mailou Jones, but I finally settled on Jacob Lawrence. The piece I chose is called Confrontation at the Bridge created in 1974. It is currently hanging in Weisman Art Museum.

In this painting you can see a group of African American making their way across a bridge but, in front of them is a malicious wolf. When first looking at you may think that they are just travelers that just came across a snag, but if we look back about 10 years prior to the painting we can see a connection with the civil rights movement. In 1965 there was a famous peace march that began in Selma, AL that went to Montgomery. During the march, participants came across resistance from townspeople and law enforcement officials. When looking at the picture with that in mind the connection begins to form.

The wolf is a perfect representation of the townspeople and law enforcement because when first approaching the officials I am sure fear, worry and doubt crossed the marchers minds, but the realization that there is power in numbers does not stop them from pressing forward. In the painting you can see the people bracing themselves by grabbing the rail and huddling closer to the front, so they will not be moved backward but, moved forward.

Also Lawrence use of a bridge is very interesting. In many stories and sayings bridge are used as a metaphor to represent overcoming or make a way through something. Lawrence usage of the bridge is a representation of the struggles the marchers had to bear in order to reach their dreams and desire of an equal society outside of discrimination.

Over all this work is amazing. This work appeals to me in so many ways. I do not even know where to begin. It could be that I am half African American, or that my grandmother marched in that 1965 march with Dr. King. What I honestly believe that makes me appeal to this work though, is that it captures a group of people coming to together in order to bring a change that I am feeling in today’s culture. This compels me to have that drive and desire to fight for my belief to heard and considered.

Created by Jacob Lawrence in 1975

Hidden values in Impressionism art- Blue Dancers

"Blue Dancers"

For me it was difficult to find a piece I actually liked. The reason being is that with impressionism art some pieces I love while, other piece I sit trying to figure out what was going through that person’s mind. Out of all the artists I looked at, Edgar Degas work stood out the most to me. The reason for this could be his constant usage of dancers. For me this gave me a personal connection to his work because I danced for 5 years. The piece I chose is entitled Blue Dancers which was created in 1899. It is currently hanging at Pushkin Museum in Moscow, Russia.

When looking a Degas work, it is hard for one not to find it appealing. For me Degas desire to depict dancers is amazing because having the ability to portray the dancer movement and grace in a painting that is intended to capture a moment in time leaves me in shock. In the Blue Dancers painting a moment is captured but, the piece portrays so much more. If we look at each character in the painting we can tell that dancers are fit because of the Degas interpretation of the dancers. This leads me to believe that these dancers are not doing this for fun but, this is their passion and job. Also Degas use of color helps set the emotional mood for the painting.

Impressionism art work is said to not have moral messages in them but, I beg to differ. When looking at other pieces outside of Degas I found pieces of people working or spending time with families. The paintings may not have as strong of moral or religious influence such as Noli me Tangere by Antonio de Correggio or Susanna e I Vecchioni by Gentileschi but, impressionism art can still have good common values such as working hard, spending time with family or even like in Blue Dancers working hard towards your passion or goals.

For me I am open to all types of art work and when a message can be found inside a piece that make the value of the work so much worth it. The idea about capturing a moment in time is great perspective to use when deciding the style painting one chooses because sometimes in those quick moments lives are changed, inspiration happens, and new perspective can be captured.

Classical- Beethoven’s 5th Symphony

The piece I have chosen to critique was pick because of two reason; first I have heard this piece many times (mostly the 1^st movement), and second I am an American Sign Language Minor so, I always find it interesting to hear or experience the art of people who are semi/ fully deaf. I have chosen to use The Destiny Symphony by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Many of us have come to know this work as Beethoven’s 5^th Symphony. This work was composed in 1808 during his return to Vienna for four years.

Over the years I have heard parts of this symphony especially the beginning and for some reason it is not hard to remember the very first bars of the 1^st movement. I can’t help but wonder if this was such a popular piece in the middle class because of the memorable bars and the easy understanding of the pieces emotion. The middle class did demand that music be accessible and recognizable, yet serious. If you actually have heard the piece you can hear the seriousness in the piece by Beethoven.

It is very difficult for me to express why I truly like listening to this work or even express my opinion on the work. I find it difficult because with music that has words I usually base why I like the work off of the words they choose to express themselves but, with Beethoven piece you have just movements and instruments so where do I start.

I know that his work causes an interest because of the repetition of the beginning bars throughout the piece. The way he manipulates it to fit into the symphony as a whole is very amazing to hear. When listening to it I feel like he is attempting to build up the emotions of the listeners either to a high or low point. His work allows for the listener to go through different emotions and still not expect what is to come. The constant build of the music and then the frantic fast pace that follows sort reminds me of the way people function in their daily lives, Going from one place to the next, running errand after errand.

This work will be remembered by all that hear it. Knowing the history of the piece and the composers makes it a timeless piece. I hope that people will have the chance to experience this work in all its glory.

Italian Renaissance- Noli me Tangere

The Italian and Northern Renaissance both produced beautiful, controversial and altering works from both time periods. I found that I tend to lean towards the Italian Renaissance. Though both Renaissance had similarities such as humanism which paid attention to realism and focused on humans. Both time periods had a connection to religious subject matter because it played an important influential role in the visual arts.

For my critique I have chosen the work called Noli me Tangere by Antonio de Correggio created in 1534. The title is in Latin and when translated into English it says “don’t touch me.” This painting is said to be inspired by the Bible (text John 20:17). The story in John is about Jesus and Mary Magdalene recognizing him after his resurrection. The other side to the inspiration of this painting is that during the time period the Protestant Reformation was in progress. It was an attempt to doctrinally reform the Catholic Church. I believe that Correggio supported the Orthodox Church because Noli me tangere is one of the Twelve Matins Gospels that are taught during the All Night Vigil.

This work stood out to me because of the levels used in the painting and the detail used when painting the characters. The placement of the characters gives an amount of power to the characters. Looking at Jesus we see that he is standing tall leaning over Mary pointing in the opposite direction. From this we see that there is more value on Jesus not, only because he is the son of God but, he is not laying on the dirt path like a peasant. Also in the painting he is pointing to a distance place, this show that Jesus had business to tend to and having Mary cling to him would only hinder his work that seems to be more valuable then spending time with this woman.

When looking at Mary we see that she is sitting on her knees on the ground looking up to her savior. Her position makes me think that she knows her own value is nothing compared to Jesus. When you look at her face and hands it seems like she is considering rising to Jesus level but, is torn between her worth in comparison to Jesus and his work.

Also when looking at both characters you notice Jesus left hand still lowered so, that Mary can still reach it if she wanted to. I believe he was giving her the chance to help her rise above her current situation and personal view of herself and, walk with him and not cling because of her view of worth.

Susanna and the Elders

For our Baroque critique I chose the painter Artemisia Gentileschi and the picture Susanna e I Vecchioni (Susanna and the Elders) created in 1601 in Italy. I personal choose this painting because Artemisia was a female painter in a man’s world. Also the perspective of this painting came from Susanna’s side which gives a new thought that she may not have been worldly or scandalous.

Artemisia was considered an early Italian baroque painter. She was an accomplished painter who was influenced by Caravaggio. She also rose in popularity during an era when women painters were not normally accepted. She became known for her historical and religious paintings.

The painting Susanna e l Vecchioni is said to be her first autographed piece of work at seventeen years of age. Artemisia uses the biblical story of Susanna, a wife who was sexually harassed by her elders for her hometown. This painting is interesting when compared to the current events of the time. When looking at this painting it seems the inspiration and influence comes from religious beliefs. A big part of the religious influence could have come from the Council of Trent which was trying to provide guidance away from the Mannerist style. The council pushed for stories to counter Protestant disputes. They also wanted stories through art to be presented with clarity, realism and emotion.

When looking at Artemisia painting you can see that there is more clarity, realism and emotion to the story of Susanna. In her painting Susanna is not portrayed as flirtatious but, frightened and vulnerable. Artemisia creates this by the position of the characters. Susanna, who is not clothed, has her head turned and refuses to look or acknowledge the elders. Also if you look at her arm positions one is covering her right breast while the other arm is extended in a way that makes viewer believe that she is pushing the men away or disapproving of their actions. This makes her seem scared of the men’s intentions and thoughts. Normally if a man would have done this painting Susanna may have been portrayed in a more in a negative light.

When moving on to the men their position allows the viewer interpret that their motives are negative. Both are leaning over Susanna in a threatening manner. If they had honorable intentions they would not have been focusing on Susanna as much as they are. Also the wall that divides Susanna and the elders shows that the men had to make an effort to climb over to view and attempt to persuade her into evil acts.

Artemisia painting achieved clarity, realism and emotion, which is what the council wanted art to do at this time. The painting achieved clarity by bringing a new perspective from the women’s view. Realism was achieved through the position of characters and stances they have in the portrait. Artemisia painting flows with emotion from Susanna and her outcry for the men to stop and leave, to the two men plotting within inches of her. This painting has allowed having a new thought on this famous biblical story.

Hello world, Its Lauren C. Wiley!

Hi guys,

My name is Lauren Wiley if you have not already figured out. I am currently a freshmen at UAF and loving it. There is not much to say. Ooooh I am a business Administration Major. K well hope to see you all around campus. P.S. my picture was taken when I was board and I was going for pebbles in the Flintstones.

I look silly.