Process Post #6 - October 26, 201710/26/2017 This week I worked on my self portrait. I had difficulties nailing the light and airy marks of Toulouse-Laturec, but, while working on the dress, I believe I was able to mimic some of his loose lines. I had particular struggles with the face because of how shadowed my image was compared to Toulouse-Lautrec's drawing. I decided to use some white charcoal which I kind of regret because of how stark it made the lines and how it removed a sense of cohesiveness throughout the piece. I am very close to finishing the project, and, hopefully, I will be able to complete it Tuesday of next week.
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Connect - Whistler V. Ruskin and Arab Spring10/19/2017 Common Themes and Analysis
Those interested in art are constantly trying to define what the borders of artistic expression are, especially in times of creative influx. "Whistler V. Ruskin" and "Arab Spring" both address the development of different art styles, whether it is a chaotic, explosive side of modern art or art spun with influences from the Middle East. "Whistler V. Ruskin" focuses on the two contrasting sides of modern art and the conflicts that arise from their inability to understand one another. Ruskin simply does not see Whistler's works as works of art because of his lack of moral form. This begs the question, is art only art when it is overtly infused with meaning? Genuinely, I believe anything can be art. Art is not that high of a title that one must follow a checklist and achieve certain levels of self expression to be able to refer to one's work as "art." Much like beauty, defining something as art is in the eye of the beholder. It is entirely subjective. Whistler's "Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket" is a piece I would consider to be a perfect example of art; however, someone who shared Ruskin's views would disagree. "Arab Spring" focuses on contemporary Middle Eastern art and the western world's sudden fascination with it. Our infatuation with art created in areas of high tension and conflict and thus infused with the emotions of the time represents the sentiments of Ruskin. The artists use art as a medium to convey their complex emotions during trying times and the remnants of these feelings travel into the viewer and leave one captivated. Ruskin would definitely appreciate contemporary Middle Eastern art because of his ability to understand the deeper meaning behind a work and love for the immersive, almost religious experience of seeing something created with fervor. Flaws and Strengths The "Whistler V. Ruskin" reading was incredibly thoughtful and well crafted, but I couldn't help but notice the amount of unnecessary details. These details detracted from the overall message of the document and removed a level of depth with fluff-like facts. The immense background on Ruskin was unneeded and a bit ridiculous. On the other hand, the author has a particularly strong voice and powerful analysis that makes the article impactful. The "Arab Spring" reading was more of a newspaper article with little to no voice of the writer. The inclusion of quotes from qualified professionals elevated the level of trust associated with this document. In contrast, the quotes were nearly entirely from second hand sources, it would have been very beneficial to include statements from Arab artists affected by the "Arab Spring." Personal Opinion I was particularly surprised by Ruskin's views about modern art. As someone who always thought art was a relative concept, I never thought such an experienced art critic would have such close minded views on what is and is not art. The "Arab Spring" and its effects on contemporary art is something I had no prior knowledge of, but I find it easy to believe that the Western world would have a fascination with contemporary Middle Eastern art. The conflicts surrounding the Middle East currently infuses its creative byproducts with an over abundance of emotion and messages that is electric to view. Process Post #5 - October 19, 201710/19/2017 This week I chose the picture I will be using for my self portrait and cut, gridded, and set up my paper. I also finished my contour drawing for the self portrait and started on adding in the charcoal. I struggled the most in beginning to replicate Toulouse-Lautrec's mark because I was nervous and my hand would shake and contradict his strong, powerful lines. I had difficulty with my right shoulder's proportions and the lips while contour drawing. Process Post #4 - October 12, 201710/16/2017 This week I finished my Old Master's drawing and worked on taking photos for our self-portrait. I also practiced with Toulouse-Lautrec's mark making in order to accurately convey his quick, sharp, lines. The charcoal ended up making the background a little darker than what I had initially intended, but I enjoyed the style of it regardless. Furthermore, taking the photos was really fun, and using different angles of lighting really made my pictures come to life. I am deciding between two different photos. One resembles the dramatic under lighting of "To Menilmontant from Bruant" and the other is a sitting photo with the light hitting the sides of my face. Awareness Post #2 - Takahiro Iwasaki10/5/2017 "Reflection Model (Silver)." 2014. Japanese Cyprus, wire. 52 2/5 × 28 7/10 × 24 4/5 in 133 × 73 × 63 cm. Takahiro Iwasaki. Takahiro Iwasaki is a Japanese artist born in 1975 who is based in Hiroshima. He makes sculptures and drawings inspired by Japan's construction and industry. He seems to particularly enjoy drawing cranes on books.
Iwasaki's work is fascinating! The first time I saw it, I had to double take because I was so intrigued. The contrast between minute details and simplicity in color is awe inspiring. I love his collection of cranes on books because it's oddly thought provoking. Does he place a symbol of construction on a symbol of knowledge to represent how the two intertwine? Or is he promoting an agenda about industry? Unlike the picture above, other pieces of his feature bright neon colors (like the "Out of Disorder (Brushes of World)") and simplistic backgrounds/objects. I have never been a big sculpture fan, but the almost surrealist stylistic choice that I adore present in these works makes me want to become a sculptor. Out of this particular piece, I love how it hangs from the ceiling and the immense detail put into it. However, it is almost too simple for my taste in terms of color and eccentricity. author.jacqueline. she/her. senior. virginia, usa. art v. archives.
March 2020
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