Art Curator

The process for creating my theme took a long time because I went back and forth as to what theme I should pick. There were so many options and I had to narrow it down. It was also the first time that I have created a themed exhibit so I wanted to make sure it would come out just right. When I first started I chose the theme of a womans beauty displayed in art however, as I started the project it slightly changed to the unqiue qualities of women displayed in art. I liked this idea better because I was able to choose more the artworks that I thought were absolutly gorgous. I went on various web sites, mainly art gallery sites, and chose some of the most beautiful work I could find. From there, I put my presentation together and I thought it came out great. When I was creating it I also thought of what my classmates were putting together and I can't wait to see the different themes that they put together!!

Video Reviews

1. Key concepts learned in The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art: is • Art historians refer to it as pop surrealism, practitioners call it Lowbrow • Art that no else knows how to categorize it • Initially used in relation to naked girls (pornography) • Disneyland, surfing, and suburbia went into being an inspirations for Lowbrow • Female artists really began to the forefront throughout Lowbrows evolution Displaying Modern Art: The Tate Approach: • Tate curators developed a new method utilizing theme-based museums • It ignored women artists of 20th century • Moma opened in 1929, planted new displays which dominated modern art • Works of art soon were categorized and placed on white walls Bones of Contention: Native American Archaeology: • Bones take on a central role in a war of alternate perspectives • The remains of more than 10,000 Native American unearthed at archaeological sites across the United States. • Archaeologists and anthropologists have collected and studied them at will • It’s a terrible loss of knowledge An Acquiring Mind: Phillipe de Montebell and the Metropolitan: • Phillipe de Montebell served for 31 years as director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art • Mr. de Montebell guided the acquisition of more than 84,000 works of art • He wouldn’t represent an artist unless they had outstanding work • In 1870, the museum opened with 174 European artists 2. The Lowbrow video doesn’t relate to my exhibition because all of my works of art chosen for the theme have a well defined category. The Tate approach did relate to my exhibition because it the method and the idea of curator both utilize a theme-based approach. The Native America video didn’t relate with my exhibition because there wasn’t any artifacts used in my them, only paintings. Phillip de Montenell and the Metropolitan related to my them because de Montebell carefully chooses works of art like I did for my exhibit. 3. The opinions of the films were very interested and added much depth to my understanding of museums. I also learned a new term of “lowbrow”, which I have never heard before. I also have a better understanding of what exactly goes into the process of artifacts at a museum.

Video review

1. I chose to watch Hockney on Photography because I wanted to learn more about and I wasn’t completely sure exactly what it was. I also chose to watch Andy Warhol: Images of an Image because I always thought Andy Warhol was a very interesting artist and I want to learn more about him. 2. Key Concept learned in Hockney on Photography • Uses the camera to create his works of art • Uses photography images to create a collage of one single scenario • Takes pictures and rearranges them with his creative ability • Needs a single end reflex to focus on certain parts of pictures • Has a very creative mind where he incorporates different elements with the pictures. Key concepts learned in Andy Warhol: Images of an Image • Ten Lives produced in 1963, used repeated pictures of a face to create one large piece of art • Warhol never wanted to be an artist, he wanted to be a tap dancer • Worked in advertising before he became famous • He could use any object and make into art such as the Campbell Soup can one of his most famous pieces. 3. The videos relate to the text because they both explain the concept of Hockney and what it is. It also does the same with Andy Warhol. The book and video both shows examples of his work along with the different ideas and concepts behind it. 4. I enjoyed watching the films and found them to be extremely interesting. I thought it was interesting learning more about Hockney and what it was. I had gotten a better understanding from watching the video. It also expanded my knowledge on Andy Warhol and his ideas. I had previous knowledge but, this expanded concepts about Warhol greatly.

Albright Knowx Gallery Visit 2!

Step 1 1. The title of the exhibit is Legion. 2. The theme of Legion is the usage of multimedia mixed with art. It also incorporates unrealistic with realistic. Step 2 1. The type of lighting used was very dark. The only light was coming from the art work that was lit with a projection. 2. The colors used on the walls were hard to capture because the lighting of the room was extremely dark. This allowed for the artwork/multimedia to really stand out and observed closely. 3. The materials used in the interior architecture of the space include cinematic installations that present the viewer with seemingly real locations with technology, animation, and sound. It includes a three-screen high definition video. Albright-Knox’s version of the exhibition is the largest presentation of Richardson’s work on tour to date. 4. The movement of the viewer through the gallery space is very open. The viewer is allowed to go freely walk anywhere in the exhibition without any boundaries. There were separate rooms where each of the threes-screen artwork was present. Also, they are able to go right up to the screens to get a closer look. Step 3 1. The artworks I believe weren’t necessarily organized. However, when you first walk in to Richardson’s exhibit the first visual you see is extremely captivating making the viewer ready to see her other works of art in the two other rooms. 2. The artworks are similar because each of them incorporates an element of unrealistic features with realistic features. They also have the same projection of using cinematic installations onto a screen. 3. The artworks are different because they both have completely different settings. They also have different interpretations and meanings to them. 4. The artworks in these particular pieces are not framed because they are on a three-screen T.V. 5. The artworks are identified and label the same as the rest of the artwork in the museum. They each have a name, what was used to create the art, and information regarding the piece. 6. The artwork is spaced far apart from each other. Each of the pieces is in a separate room allowing for the viewer to really focus in on each piece of art. Step 4 Artist: Kelly Richardson Title of work: Mariner 9 Media: Three-channel high definition video installation with 5.1 stereo sound Date: 2012 Size: Unknown Source: Albright Knox Gallery 1. In Mariner 9, I thought it was amazing how she incorporates what Mars may look like in the future using all the right colors concepts, the shapes and sizes of the rocks, and the spacecraft. I have never seen artwork like this. It is not the “ideal” artwork you would normally see in a gallery and that is why I loved this particular exhibit. 2. I see the sun rising which is beaming off the ground and all of the rocks. I also see a landscape that seems to go on for miles. I also noticed a spacecraft that seems to have landed on the rocky gravel with little to no existence. 3. In the elements of art, there is the use of colors. Although, there isn’t tons of colors they are present in the sunset as well as the in the rocks where the sun is beaming off of them. I also see a lot of texture being used especially in the rocky terrain. The ground shows the viewer how rocky and unsettling the service is. In the elements of art rhythm and motion is used which is projected from the cinematic installations showing movements in the rock and sky. Also, proportion is another element used to show the shapes and sizes and gives you an idea of how big the rock is compared the space craft. 4. The Mariner 9 reminds of me of what life would look like if we keep abusing it and not treating it correctly and humanely. It almost shows to me that if we don’t take care of our Earth it may one day be non-existent. 5. I think Richardson was trying express what life will be like in the future. Her interest in science fiction really shines through this piece because it is showing the reality of Mars in the future with an increased human knowledge and existence on this planet. Artist: Kelly Richardson Title of work: Leviathon Media: Three-channel high-definition video installation with stereo sound Date: 2010 Size: Unknown Source of picture: Albright Know Gallery 1. In Leviathon, I thought it was interesting that she chose to show a swampy area however, still make it extremely captivating to the viewer. The movement shows almost shows a very eerie place that it is not inhibited by any humans mostly nature. I enjoyed her use of colors and reasoning behind the artwork. 2. I see a swampland that how not much of any human existence. It is a place of extreme quiet with the exception of noises from animals or water movement. It shows a place of quietness with extreme solitude. 3. The elements of art used in this artwork include value which shows the lightness and darkness with the Leviathon. Also, space is another element used to show the way the art was organized and the distance between the trees in the swamp area. In the principles of art, rhythm and movement is a element used in Leviathon. The movement was shown as the way the trees moved and swayed in the swamp land and the movement of the water surrounding the trees. Another element is balance because there is much equilibrium throughout this piece of art. There is not one complete center of focus rather it’s the whole painting. 4. I believe that Leviathon alludes to very dark, demonic place. Although it just shows a simple portrait of trees and swampland it also symbolizes disaster in the environment and around the world. 5. I think Richardson was trying to say that this world has some dark places that need to be recognized. I think through her work she channels this through this gloomy swampland. Artist: Kelly Richardson Title of work: The Erudition Media: Three-channel high-definition video installation with six-channel sound Date: 2010 Size: Unknown Source of picture: Albright Knox Gallery 1. I like the idea of the blue, crystallized looking trees and landscape with mountains in the background. I also think it’s a beautiful looking piece that is interesting to look at and understand the different dimensions within the piece of artwork. 2. I see a beautiful place with trees and mountains. It almost appears to be dark outside consisting of holographic trees blowing in the wind. It almost demonstrates a future for our existence. 3. The principles of art used are color. The main color that pops is within the trees and landscape of the artwork. Another principle of art used is texture. The texture is the most prevalent in this piece because you are able to really capture the texture of the landscape near and far away as well as the trees. An element of art used is rhythm and movement. This is shown by the eerie blowing of the leaves blowing in the wind along with the water movement. Another element used is emphasis which creates the center of the interest to be the holographic trees that are represented in a non-traditional tree color. It the main focus point where the viewer’s eye tends to land. 4. The Erudition reminds of a very new age place that is yet to exist. It almost represents to me what the Earth may look like in the future which has been a theme of some of Richardson’s works of art. 5. I think the artist is trying to express that this may be the reality of our future. It’s something that may not make sense now but, when it actually happens it will come together and be our reality. Step 5

To visually understand the space used to show this exhibit I have attached a link from the Albright Knox Gallery to help give a better understand. http://www.albrightknox.org/exhibitions/exhibition:02-15-2013-kelly-richardson-legion/ I liked visiting the gallery with a different intent. It was interesting observing how they chose to display different pieces of art in a certain area of the gallery. I liked that I was able to go to the gallery with a somewhat different approach and analyze the physical space of different exhibitions. While some were set up in rooms others were in hallways. The themes also helped me to understand why certain artwork were shown in the same location.

Video Review

1. I decided to watch the video Expressionism because I wanted to learn different facts and concepts during this time period. I always wanted to understand how art was specifically tied into Expressionism and developed throughout this time. I also decided to watch Dada and Surrealism because I also wanted to learn more about these time period and how art was incorporated and evolved during this time. Also, from watching both of the films I want to learn how art was impacted during these two periods. 2. The key concepts learned in Expressionism are: • An outgrowth of fauvism, Expressionism emphasized color’s emotional properties while demonstrating far less concern than the Fauves • Melancholy painted between 1892 and 93’ is another intense exploration of an inner state of mind which is a great example of art that arose during Expressionism. • It is a subjective art form that distorts reality for an emotional effect. • It impacted many different art forms such as paintings, sculptures, film, and music. • In contributed to the development of Abstract Expressionism The key concepts learned in Dada and Surrealism is: • The Dada Movement, born was a reaction to World War I • Surrealism opened new avenues for artistic creations by striving to bypass the reasoning process and tap directly into the conscious mind. • Dada flourished primarily in Switzerland, New York City and Berlin in the 20th century • Schweitzer incorporated different fragments into his artwork which created a sense of nostalgia. 3. The videos related to the text by they both introduced the time periods and how art has evolved during these two time periods. The video and texts also helped to tie in what impacted these two periods and how that affected artists and their creations. I think the video and text both helped to explain what Expressionism, Dada and Surrealism were and how they influenced art. 4. I enjoyed watching both of the films particularly because I was able to choose what I wanted to learn more about. I always think its helpful that I have some of an understanding of these concepts before watching the films because after watching the films it helps to add more meaning to what I have already read in the text.

1. I selected the inspiration pieces because they both were extremly unique looking masks to me. mask 1, with the blonde hair expresses very human natured characterisics.Its linked very closely to a human face and that is why I decided to use this mask an inspiration to create mine. I chose mask 2 because it is very simple but shows much depth and creates 3D mask that is very unique. I thought the two colors chosen made the facial charactersitics pop out more. I chose mask 3 because of all the colors and variety in the mask. I chose concepts from all three of the masks to inspire my final project. 2. Mask 1; Describe: Very humanistic mask with real life features, it almost comes across as a dramaitized human features. Analyze: Very unique mask from a Mexico created background. Is very unique and reali at the same time. Intrepret: shows almost an individual who is somewhat angry with a frightening expression on the mask. However, the way the artist created the mask it is very captivating. Decide: I decided to choose this mask because it inspired me to use some real life features in my mask. Mask 2; Describe-Uses only two colors of yellow and blue however, the colors chosen allow the mask facial features to stand out and really capitavate the 3D of the mask. Analyze: a very pronounced feature mask that shows that masks really can use all sorts of different elements to create. It can either use various colors or just keep it simple. Intrepet: This mask is used to show how the artist views facial expressions of individuals and even though the colors on the mask are not a human skins color, you still can see past the colors and view the features. Decide: I used this mask because I wanted to incorporate the 3D visuals into my mask and the artist to create this mask. Mask 3; Describe: An extremly vibrant colored mask that that shows so much unique and creativity. It is something that looks closly to an alligator or some type of animal with very expressive colors. Analyze: This mask shows much color and creativity that it makes it hard to just focus in on one area. I almost didn't even notice it looked like an animal because I was paying attention to the colors and patterns chosen within the mask. Intrepet: a very artisitc way to express a mask that is extremly unqiue and shows much individuality. Decide: I liked this mask because of the colors and there wasnt just one area to focus in on but, many. It also kept you imagination running. 3.

4. I used a lot of color when creating this mask because I wanted to keep it very unique and fun spiritied. I also chose to texture in the cheeks and forehead to show that the person is smiling and using certain muscles in their face. I also chose to use pattern because I did keep the colors consistent on each side of the face. Lines were definitly a big portion of my mask as well creating much definition. 5. I thought the finished product of my mask turned out really cool. I didn't really know what to expect because we had no boundaries. However, reviewing different masks it really helped to put my own mask into perspective. I thought it was fun creating the mask I always find creating art to be sort of a stress reliver because it takes your mind off other things. I was excited with the turnout of my mask and can't wait to see what kinds the other students created!

Blog 10 Buddhism and Hinduism

1.      I decided to watch Buddhism because I wanted to learn more important facts about the religion. It is such an important religion with a long history that I thought it would greatly benefit me to understand the history and evolution of Buddhism. I chose to watch Hinduism because I wanted to also learn more about this religion and its culture. I thought it would be interesting to see the similarities and differences between Buddhism and Hinduism.

2.      Key concepts I learned in Buddhism is:

·         Buddhism was birthed in India and quickly spread to other lands

·         Siddhartha Gautama asked a question is that all there is? When he went out into the real world and saw death and despair

·         The key to Buddha’s teaching is Tahnna, the extinguishing of all desire for pleasure all the preoccupations that feed the ego.

·         Buddha proclaimed the basic message of love

·         He was totally committed to the seizing of ill

Key concepts I learned in Hinduism:

·         To the western mind Hinduism seems relatively exotic

·         Varanasi is the holiest city of Hinduism with 3000 year old religious story

·         The great river Ganges is a powerful symbol of Hinduism. It is a symbol of dramas and God’s love for the earth. But, for the Hindus it known also for death and reincarnation

·         Unlike Christians, Hindus believe that life is million and billion years of life death and rebirth

·         Hindus can worship anywhere just like the Muslims

 

3.      The videos relate to the text by both explaining the history and culture of the religions through their art and architecture. They both explain the importance and evolvement of the religions. Buddhism and Hinduism, in the text and videos, both explain different concepts of the religions and help to give a better understanding of religions and linkage to its art history.

4.      I enjoyed watching the films especially the Hinduism video. I really thought it was an interesting religion and enjoyed watching it the most. I think Hinduism and Buddhism are both interesting religions especially with the different concepts they believe in. They add a greater depth to my understanding because it always helps to experience and learn visually. I already had an understanding from the text but actually watching helped put it all together.

1.      I chose to watch The Drawings of Michelangelo and Leonardo Di Vinci: The Mind of Renaissance because I wanted to learn more about these two particular artists. I find them to be both very interesting as well as their artwork. They are two both very well known names and such a huge part of our art history. These artists both have very well known paintings

 

2.      In the Drawings of Michelangelo, key concepts discussed include:

 

a.       How in today’s society students are allowed to view his pieces in museums. However, if Michelangelo knew this he would be horrified because during his time period they were kept away

b.      Born in Florence in 1475 into a family that had great social potential

c.       Michelangelo was a creator in all of his pieces; he is known for contouring and finding his way out

d.      He uses his drawings as stock of ideas

 

In Leonardo Di Vinci: The Mind of Renaissance, key concepts discussed include:

e.       Leonardo intelligence goes back to infancy being aroused by nature

f.       As Leonardo grows his sensitivity develops by observing faces, hand gestures, and motion of the soul

g.      Leonardo was the ideal Renaissance man; dipping his time into so many different elements

h.      He mastered proportions of animals heads and man

 

3.      The videos relate to the readings in the text by both interpreting the artists style and their uniqueness. The movies and the book both give a history of the time period they were most famous for and their famous paintings. They both also introduce very important concepts and themes of these artists.

 

4.      I really enjoyed watching the films. I thought they were both very informative and I learned a lot more about these artists. I felt as though the book and the movie help to tie in different key points regarding these artists. It adds much depth by helping me to understand these artists and their personalities and how it came through in their artwork.