Progress Post #14 - January 5th, 20181/20/2018 This week, we discussed our practice canvases and what we could do to improve them. Although my action painting was complete, my color field painting was a bit of a mess. I had only put down three layers and a couple of zips and the tape did not peel off cleanly. I would definitely add to it if I had the time. I am definitely looking forward to creating a figure as I was severely lacking in that aspect previously. We were supposed to start our big painting this week, but we were unable to do so due to snow days.
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Experience #2 - D.C. Field Trip1/20/2018 On December 1st, I went on the D.C. Field Trip with my Art 3 friends. We visited the National Gallery and the Hirshhorn. I really enjoyed spending time in such an art enriched environment with those who appreciate art as well. We were able to have many intellectual conversations stemming from the assignment giving to us as well as our own personal interests in art. Looking at paintings by famous artists like Degas, Pollock, and Morandi inspired me to work harder in my art work by experimenting with all kinds of styles and focus on infusing a message into my pieces. The National Gallery was very exciting because it has a massive collection of famous artworks from countries all around the world from several centuries. The impressionist exhibit that we witnessed was exemplary of how a movement can vary through the styles of all kinds of artists. For example, the mark making in each work differed. Some of the paint strokes were thick and broad and the piece had a very blurry feel whereas other artists had tight, thin strokes that gave subjects a strict form (albeit not as strict as classicist works). I enjoyed how thick the paint was on certain paintings, and I definitely want to experiment with such surface and texture in the future. I particularly loved visiting the East Building of the National Gallery due to the abundance of abstract and sculptural works. Many of the artworks had a powerful socio-political factor which made me want to infuse a deeper meaning into my work and perpetuate an agenda that I feel strongly about. The Hirshhorn featured an exhibit on Ai Weiwei which was phenomenal. His lego portraits of political prisoners showed how awful oppression could be. Walking by these brightly colored, intricately laid out works made me realize how much dedication an artist uses to create an artwork. Furthermore, his wallpaper also detailed images like surveillance cameras and handcuffs which I thought was fascinating. The central socio-political commentary present in his work is evidence of arts endless abilities and impacts. I hope to be able to make such powerful works like Ai Weiwei. This field trip has been an eye opening experience in terms of learning about the art world and the impact of art. How does one go about infusing a meaning into their works? How does surface affect the feel of a work? How does one make an artwork particularly impactful? How does an artist make sure their message is properly conveyed through their art? Common Themes and Analysis
Abstract Expressionism was a groundbreaking movement that pushed the borders of art beyond what anyone could have foreseen. Although many hated Abstract Expressionist pieces and still hate those pieces, it was a powerful era of creative innovation in the art world. Not only was it unprecedented, but, as exemplified by "Modern art was CIA 'weapon'" and "MoMA, The Bomb and the Abstract Expressionists," it was also used for interesting government purposes during the Cold War. Both of these articles address how art is incredibly versatile and can be used in many situations for either righteous or nefarious purposes. Art is not simply limited to providing visual enjoyment in a museum or a gallery; instead, it can be used for promoting a product or invoking an emotion or even bragging to the USSR about your country's creative superiority. Furthermore, both show how one's art can be taken by a consumer and warped out of the artist's original intention. Many Abstract Expressionists were ex-communists or, as Mr. Jameson calls them, "closer to Moscow than to Washington." For their artworks to be used to promote an anti-communist, anti-USSR message is ironic to say the least. Lastly, both articles express the concept that abstract art within itself carries a meaning. No matter what an artist infuses into their work or their original intention, abstract art is seen as the epitome of creativity. Why else would the CIA use it to boast? Unlike objective works, non-objective carries a vivacious quality that can be attributed to its relatively new popularity in the art scene. In terms of differences, "MoMA, The Bomb and the Abstract Expressionists" addresses more of the background of Abstract Expressionism and its rise as a movement from the shock and horror at the state of the world after World War II. It shows how war and atrocities can inspire artists to create masterpieces that represent their reactions. This article also emphasizes MoMA's connections to the CIA and how art is never really just about art. In contrast, "Modern art was CIA 'weapon'" focuses on CIA operations when enacting their plan of flaunting Abstract Expressionism all over Europe. In addition, it perpetuates the idea that money is critical to art, and a sponsor or societies support of one's artwork is as much of the artistic process as painting is. Flaws and Strengths The "Modern art was CIA 'weapon'" article was very easy to read and understand. However, it made a couple references that I was unable to understand like "in the manner of a Renaissance prince" or "the indirect CIA backing of a journal Encounter, edited by Stephen Spender." I enjoyed the multiple quotes from trustworthy sources who had worked with the CIA during this tumultuous period. The "MoMA, The Bomb and the Abstract Expressionists" article featured more complex language, and I enjoyed how in depth it analyzed the origins of the Abstract Expressionists and the general ideas they held at the time. On the other hand, there were few quotes supporting the statements they made, and the author also spelled Jackson Pollock as Jackson "Pollack" which was distracting. The Abstract Expressionists were portrayed as oddly pretentious in the way the author would describe them as people who saw the "individual as king." Personal Opinion As an avid fan of non-objective art, I really enjoyed learning about the government's manipulation of these works in promoting an anti-communist message. These articles prove that art has multiple functions and the government recognizes it as a powerful vehicle for political agendas. I am interested in infusing my artworks with meaning that, although may not translate to all viewers, is understood by many. Although I believe that art should not be incredibly removed from the original message of the artist like these works were, I still find it fascinating that abstract art existing as abstract art is a representation of greater creative innovation than the socialist realists of the USSR. We continued to work on our practice paintings. I spent all my time on the action painting and barely worked on the colorfield one besides putting down more layers of both yellow and blue and adding more zips. I was thinking of maybe adding surface to the canvas after everything dries; however, that may not be a possibility considering we are not supposed to work on these after this week. My action painting is turning out pretty good. I had previously used a very linear painting style with perpendicular lines all over the place, but I've begun using squiggles and wider marks. I find I am scared to reach out and create large expressive marks that cover up all of those layers I had painstakingly painted on. The surface is very interesting, and viewers can see it clearly in light when the gold I slapped on everywhere shines. I covered up some of the layers of other colors so my painting predominantly features certain colors. I do not think I have completely resolved it as there is not much of a figure ground relationship, but I do enjoy looking at it and its dynamicness. Progress Post #12 - December 7, 20171/2/2018 This week, we worked on our practice canvases for our non objective piece that we will be starting after winter break. I really enjoyed my chaotic action painting canvas in comparison to the minimalistic color field canvas. I forgot to take photos again, but I barely started on the color field canvas. I decided to create a bunch of "zips" on my color field because I enjoy the harsh lines and contrast that can be created. I started with a base layer of a hot, slightly orange pink. In terms of my action painting, I am a little obsessed with surface as I repeatedly built up many layers of paint with all kinds of gel mediums. My choice of color is chaotic, and I am definitely considering restricting my palette when starting on my large piece.
author.jacqueline. she/her. senior. virginia, usa. art v. archives.
March 2020
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