Entry 30: My New Outlook on Art

I have always appreciated art and admired those that could do it well. That doesn't mean that I understood everything that went into it or what a lot of it meant. I would just look at a piece for a few seconds and decide if it was good or not. Now when I look at art I will see everything that goes into it. This includes the lines, choice of color, style, and texture among so many other things. I have a new understanding of the choices that artists make when it comes to artwork. Now, I can't help but think about the background behind every piece I see. I ask myself many questions. Questions like what is the thought process behind this and why did he/she choose to color it this way? My perception of what is art has also changed. It has become wider, for I see artful value in so many things that I would have never seen before. I realized that art can take so many forms. It doesn't just have to be pencil to paper. It can include happenings, architecture, and even things in our mass culture. Art is something that is a part of my everyday like and now I can acknowledge and respect that.

Entry 29: Graphic Design Art

Graphic Design is everywhere from the posters we see hanging around the school to the billboards we see along the street. A lot goes into this art form including knowledge of a specialized programming. Graphic Designers usually get hired to work on something for a company and have to understand the specific artwork that they are looking for. Things that we look at everyday have probably been touched by graphic designers. Some examples include the design on brochures and slogan for our favorite stores. The simplest things can be made with graphic design as well as complicated pieces of art. It is a long process that involves a lot of patience and knowledge of the technology you are using.

This is my creation using graphic design and its the bare minimum. I am using the simplest of techniques and it was a long struggle just to make it. We have to appreciate the work of graphic designers, because they go through a long creative process to create beautiful art. Art that we see everyday but don't even realize it. 

Entry 28: The Amphitheater

I never knew that amphitheater means double theater. So this is basically two theaters stuck together. This was a gift to the people of Rome to be used for entertainment. The entertainment included gladiatorial games. I was fooled by Hollywood, because before I thought that these were violent brawls without any restrictions. I can relate this to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). Two people are really fighting each other and it can get violent, but there is always a referee. I can imagine the gladiatorial games being the same type of thing except weapons were involved. It is also interesting to see how many of our modern day stadiums are based of off this design.

Entry 27: Examples of Authorial Voice

Authorial voice is using art to make a protest against an issue.

Here are some examples of how this was used:

Liberty leading the people



This was meant to be motivation for the people during the French Revolution. It focused on the average person who doesn't have a voice. The depiction of so many different people shows unity to fight a common enemy. It was in protest of the monarchy going on at the time.

Boston Massacre



An event that resulted in the British soldiers firing on civilians was thrown out of proportion for the use of propaganda. It gave the colonists the perfect way to strike a blow at the British. They were protesting against unfair British control and taxing without representation. The picture depicts the colonists running away in terror and a lot of blood. All the while the British seem to be vigorously firing on them The colonists were able to take an event and create artwork from it with an authorial voice. Protesting against British and their unfair treatment of them.

Entry 26: Happenings

I found the idea of happenings a very interesting subject. This is allowing the artwork to be the performance, not the documentation. Its something that we, as viewers actively participate in. In a way it connects art to life.

I like this idea, because it puts a new twist on art. Something that is needed in our constantly changing culture to keep people invested. It allows for a deeper understanding of the artwork, for the viewers are the ones that shape it.

Happenings incorporated a lot of change because anything could happen. Some examples of this include:

A Chair with a History George Brecht

Participants would sit down in this chair and record events in the book seated on the chair

The Thousand Symphonies Dick Higgins

This involved shooting a compositional paper with a machine gun. The bullet holes would be the notes that the orchestra plays.

Yard Allan Kaprow 

People were invited to climb all over a room filled with tires.



There are tons of happenings, some simple others extremely complex. It is easy to see how some of them are art but others seem to simple to be considered as such. It doesn't take a lot of skill to fill a room with tires or put a notebook on a chair. I think its the thinking process behind these and the goal they are trying to reach that allows them to be called art.

Entry 25: Analyzing Art from Comic Con

This is a piece I got from the last Dallas Comic Con I attended. It's a detailed and realistic look at Captain America. The frontal view shows that the character is taking command. The menacing posture and glare juxtaposes with the bright and vibrant colors of the custom. This perfectly shows that he will fight for a good reason. It looks as though he is strong but the color palette shows that he will use that strength for a good cause. The small patches of bright light also signifies a heroic presence. Comparing these bright lights to the shield, it has more of a darker tone. This shows experience since the shield looks as if it has seen a lot of use. This creates a sense of trust that he will get the job done. The art is designed to give hope for the fake world he inhabits, but also create respect from the real world. The respect derives from the artful techniques that makes it seem like he will stand up for those that need help.

Entry 24: Analyzing Rothko's work

     

  When we were looking at this work in class, someone made the comment that their younger sister, who is in kindergarten could do the same thing. I couldn't help but agree with this. The response was that the skills that goes into the blending of the colors is masterful work. This may be true, but I could see anyone with a little bit of skill in paint be able to do the same thing. Rothko's work is still worth a lot of money.

  Even if I don't enjoy this art, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the purpose of it.

  This can be considered pure art, for there is not anything recognizable to distract you. The work is designed for the audience to study and meditate on. They can take it all in instead of just looking. Everyone brings their own perspective when they look at art, so I can see the effect this may have on some people. The audience can really look at this work and gain some deeper understanding of it.

 I can not see myself reacting that way to this art, but I can't criticize those that do. Rothko accomplishes his task with these pieces. And if he has mastered this style then there is no reason to not call him an artist. Rothko may of a deeper personal connection with his work. Some of his audience may have a similar connection and, in my opinion, that's what makes this art special.

Entry 23: Analyzing cinematography techniques

  I have discussed the idea of cartoons being art, but what about live action movies. It's still a difficult subject, but cartoons are easier to grasp since they are drawn. Live-action requires someone to film the scenario. Could this filming also be art.

  It seems as though I am saying everything is art, but I am basing this of off my original definition. Art is essentially something that makes you feel something. If the way in which something is filmed is unique enough then it could possible do this.

 We considered photography a form of art, so I don't see a difference in calling filming art. I know they are two different things, but a picture can capture some sort of emotion if angled the right way, among other things. Film can use the same techniques to create a similar feeling.

 Breaking Bad, TV show that went for five seasons on AMC, is a master at using unique filming techniques to elicit emotion from their audience. These techniques include camera movement,  and POV (point of view) shots.

   

In this shot the camera slowly pans around the house until you see Skyler sitting at the table. This makes it seem as though this is a normal scene showing Skyler's new house. The camera then zooms in so that we can see behind the column in the middle. It turns out that Walt(main character) is standing behind the pillar. This is a simple example of how Breaking Bad uses camera movement to surprise the audience with a pivotal moment.

The POV shots are used to put the viewers directly into the action. There is a scene when one of the characters pours gasoline all over someone's house. The camera is from the perspective of the gas can. This raises the tension more then just using a regular perspective.

Breaking Bad isn't the only thing that incorporates these unique uses of the camera. Whenever it is done it should be considered art, because it is designed to have an impact on the viewer in creative ways.

Entry 22: Should Art Entertain?

  The subject of art being entertainment is tricky. It goes back to that difficult question of whether or not video games are art. From my earlier post my thoughts are clear on that subject. This can extend to so many more things like amusement parks, comics, and cartoons. I am going to focus on the last one, basing my examples on my favorite show: Avatar the Last Airbender.

  There is nothing wrong with mixing art and entertainment.The people that sit down and illustrate their characters for cartoons or comic books consider themselves artists. They are using the elements of art to make something that is impact full to both themselves and the audience. The line is blurred when you put that art into a TV show or comic, because then it is considered mass culture. The question arises: Is it art or mass culture? 

 The Last Airbender is a cartoon that aired on Nickelodeon for three seasons. It is a show available to all ages as it has more mature themes for adult viewers. It is the perfect example of the controversy of art and entertainment. I , for one, believe that it is art, because the process that goes into making each scene is the same one that any artist would go through. 

 Someone actually drew this for the episode. Their thoughts being the same as any artists. They took the placement of the crystals, and the people into consideration. The scale and balance is a big factor as well as the color choice. This scene creates a sense of peace. It is also connected with the dialogue, because whats going on fits perfectly with what is being said. 

  

 This scene is a devastating one as we see one of the characters fall into insanity with a mirage of her mom watching through the mirror. I included this to show everything you can get out of one scene. We could easily put this up in the lecture and analysis it just like we would any other work of art. Once again everything has a purpose in creating this feeling of despair and lost hope. 

This ,as well as other cartoons, blurs the line between art, visual culture, and entertainment. It does this because everything in the show is carefully crafted artwork designed to elicit some sort of feeling from the audience. When the artwork is put in TV format that is rated based on viewership, it makes things complicated. My opinion is that the process is still art, so no matter the format of presentation it should still be considered as such. Even if something fits into the category of mass culture, it can still be art. 

Entry 21: Art and the Environment

This dump truck has grass, weeds, and flowers growing within and around it. There was not much manipulation, for the truck was parked and nature grew all around it. Without nature there would just be a random truck sitting there. The environment at which the truck was placed is what makes it art. The weeds growing in the truck reminds me of something you would see in a apocalyptic movie. A movie where all of our man-made creations fail and nature takes over. This artwork could symbolize the idea that we can never control nature. 

This second work required much more manipulation from humans. In contrast to the first work, this shows a control over nature. The metal beams around the entangled rock makes it look as though nature is a prisoner to our man-made creations. This may be calling us to stop out attempts to control the environment. All the rocks used in this piece were moved from another location and placed in specific spots. The piece would not work without the use of its environment.  

Entry 20: Flowers

The flowers on the left is how I would usually draw them. They are more structured with lines and one color for each section. The flowers on the left show what I learned in class. We studied impressionism, which is when artists capture their images without details but with bold colors. They always paint the colors not the things. In the right picture there are no lines and multiple shades of a color on each flower. There is also some use of stippling on the right version, which is when small spots of bright color is shown.

Entry 19: My Body

This is artwork depicts the Tabernacle, which is where God would dwell in the Old Testament. In the New Testament all of our bodies became the temple of the Holy Spirit. That's how I see my body, a temple. Since the Holy Spirit lives within us, we have to take care of our bodies. Something that I fail at sometimes. It's difficult to view ,not only, my body but everyone else's body as temples.

Entry 18: Chuck Close's Fanny

     

I chose Chuck Close's Fanny, because it does something that few other portraits have done. It does not show an idealized self or inner personality. It is is meant to be realistic and showcase all of the detailed features of an older women. This may be trying to teach a lesson. It's the idea that we should not try to hide our true self (like the other portraits) but embrace it. The work invites judgement as we can not help but discuss the unflattering features. Yet, the women seems unmoved. This is an example of how we should stop worrying about what everyone else is thinking. This piece impacted me, because that is something that I am struggling with. What I took from this portrait was a beneficial lesson that can change the way I think. 

Entry 17: My Idealized Identity

When I brainstormed about my ideal identity, I was thinking about my character traits. This includes being, calm, compassionate, and strong. The second thought that came to my mind was: what would I be known for? That's when I realized that ,ideally, I would like to serve people. The main point being serving other people, not myself. Of course, this is an idealized identity because everyone has that feeling that they need to take care of themselves. To symbolize both my character traits, and what I want to be known for, I thought of a waterfall. Water is calm, and strong, and beneficial for all of us. In other words it serves us. My idealized identity would be someone that is calm, strong, and compassionate who also serves everyone around him. Water is a way to abstractly symbolize that ideal identity.

Entry 16: Propaganda at UNT

  This huge eagle statue made of balloons is situated in the student union for all to see. It showcases a more extravagant version of UNT propaganda. It mixes well with UNT's slogan of creativity. This is, of course, replicating the UNT mascot, Scrappy, but this replication could have been done in a easier way. The statue made of balloons is just an example of how creative UNT is. The people taking their tour through the union will get the message that UNT is a place of creativity. This idea is communicated through making something in a way that no one else could think of. 

Entry 15: Political Art in the Present

Disclosure: This has nothing to do with my political stance

Our modern time has turned digital and our leaders are using that as a platform for their political art.

Good



Everything is balanced so well and the quote is good, because it describes what Bernie Sanders is doing.

Bad



Everything about this is bland. Rand Paul is shaded out, which doesn't make him the focal point. The quote doesn't explain how we are going to take our country back.

Entry 14: My palace

My house would be in the living quarters for the government officials. I was elected along with all the other officials and we don't live in luxury. The only building that looks like a "palace" is the government building.

Entry 13: Akhenaten

This is a statue of Akenaten, a Pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Egypt. He is most known for moving away from the Egyptian religion based on polytheism to a monotheistic religion. I picked this work of art, because the structure of the body doesn't represent what you would usually expect from a leader. It is more common for a sculpture to feature a muscular body and a sense of authority. Here Akhenaten has skinny arms, big belly, and almost women like curves. This drastic change in art probably launched from the change in religion. If you are bringing in a new program then everything needs to be changed. This shows a realistic portrayal instead of an unrealistic depiction of a hulking figure. It was probably an experiment to see how people would respond to something that showed what their leader really looked like. My response to this sculpture is that it gives an example of how we should act today. We need to stop having a fake persona around people and show our true self. Just like how Akhenaten wanted to show his true self through the sculpture.

Entry 12: Louis Zamperini Memorial

Louis Zamperini ran track in the Olympics before being a bombardier in the Army Air corps during War World 2. His plane crashed and he survived at sea until being captured by the Japanese . When the war finally ended he suffered PTSD, but eventually overcame it to become an inspirational figure until his death in 2014. The plane represents his service for the country as well as the American flag. The torches represent his time in the Olympics and overall love for running.

Entry 11: Relationship to Divinity

I drew a picture of me holding hands with a long line of people. There is a lot of thought and explanation to how this represents my relationship to divinity. I am a Christian and Jesus call us to love one another. Love is a difficult word and its meaning has been altered within our culture. I came up with a definition that says love is putting away our own desires to serve one another. So this picture represents me serving my friends and family, not to make myself look good, but for the simple act of serving without any selfish benefit. The way I threat the people that God has put in my life is how I show my relationship to Him. It is easy for my feelings to get the best of me and I lose that servant attitude. With that being said my relationship with God is pretty good ,but can falter from time to time.