Posts

Non-Western Art

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  EASTSIDE!!!!     East Asian art has always intrigued me with its unique designs and rich cultural significance. In this blog, I’m going to look at three pieces from different parts of East Asia that highlight the region’s artistic traditions. These works include a Tibetan silk embroidery, a Chinese painting from the Qing dynasty, and a carved Japanese netsuke. Each one offers a different take on the history and culture of East Asia, but I have to say, the Tibetan silk embroidery is the piece that stands out to me the most. Tibetan Silk Embroidery: Guardian Lion (17th-18th Century)         This Tibetan silk embroidery, likely created in the 17th or 18th century, showcases the rich textile tradition of Tibet. The artist, whose identity remains unknown, crafted a stunning depiction of a guardian lion, or snow lion, a powerful symbol in Tibetan culture representing strength and protection. The lion is surrounded by swirling clouds and flames, all meticulously woven using vibrant silk thr

Mid-Post Modern Art

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 The Transformation of Art: From Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art and Architectural Modernism       Today we'll explore the fascinating journey of modern art as it evolved through different movements. Our focus spans the Mid Modern era (from World War II to 1980) and the Post Modern era (1980 to the present), highlighting how each period brought unique artistic expressions that reflected and influenced societal and cultural changes. Through the works of iconic artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Louis Sullivan, we'll see how art transformed from the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism to the bold commentary of Pop Art, and into the innovative realms of modern architecture. This blog aims to showcase how these artists' creations not only captured the essence of their times but also left a lasting impact on the world of art. Jackson Pollock: The Master of Abstract Expressionism      Jackson Pollock, born in Cody, Wyoming in 1912, became a major figure in

MODERN ART

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  The Art of Anxiety          The early 20th century was a time of major changes, with wars, technological advancements, and shifting social norms shaking up the world. Artists from this period expressed their anxieties and curiosities about these changes through their work. This virtual exhibit features three significant pieces that capture the essence of this era: Marcel Duchamp's Fountain (1917), RenĂ© Magritte's The Collective Invention (1934), and Natalia Goncharova's Cyclist (1913). Marcel Duchamp - Fountain (1917)     Marcel Duchamp's Fountain is a key work from the Dada movement, which was all about breaking away from traditional art norms. The piece is literally a porcelain urinal that Duchamp signed "R. Mutt" and submitted to an art exhibition in 1917. It sparked a lot of controversy because it challenged people to think about what art really is. Duchamp was making a statement about how, after the chaos of World War I, old ways of thinking didn't

Romanticism vs Realism

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  Keepin' It Real!       Art has always been a reflection of society, capturing the spirit of its era. Romanticism and Realism are two such movements that, though emerging in the 19th century, present contrasting perspectives. Romanticism, with its emphasis on emotion and individualism, often goes into the fantastical. In contrast, Realism focuses on depicting everyday life with straight up accuracy. This blog explores these two movements through selected artworks, ultimately with me favoring Realism for its grounded representation of life. Romanticism     Romanticism was an artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and the scientific rationalization of nature. It emphasized intense emotion, individualism, and the sublime beauty of nature. "The Nightmare"         Henry Fuseli's "The Nightmare" was created in 1781 in England. In this painting, Fuseli captures a haunting scene with a woman in deep s

The Wizard Of Oz, Frankenstein, The Yellow Bag Of Lays-Era

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 The Wizard Of Oz, Frankenstein, The Yellow Bag Of Lays-Era You know we throw that word around around so loosely, classic. "Oh that's a classic!" Somebody knocks over your cup of milk,"*smacks teeth* Classic bro." Or as a active member of the Big-Back Community, my favorite, "I need them Lays Classic, three of them!  But the thing is when it comes to the classical era I am now reminded that it means that it is one of the best time periods EVER.  The 18th century, also known as the Enlightenment Era, was a time of incredible advancements in both art and science. Welcome to The Sims-onian Museum, with my collection of three creators whose scientific discoveries were captured in art.   Big Ben         Benjamin West’s painting vividly depicts Benjamin Franklin’s famous kite experiment. Created around 1816, it’s uncertain exactly where this painting was made, but given West's career, it's likely to have been created in England where West was based for mu

Sorry Can't Lend Any Money, I'm Pretty Baroque

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Sorry Can't Lend Any Money, I'm Pretty Baroque Hello everybody, today I am going to write about the first ever failed group pyramid, AKA the Grand Ludovisi Sarcophagus.     There is a lot to unpack when it comes to this piece, the main thing being the influence of royalty that shows in Roman art and culture, highlighting the values and power of the elite. Created around 250-260 AD, it is known for its elaborate carvings depicting a battle between Roman soldiers and barbarians. If you were to ask how it relates to Baroque art, I'd think you were just being rhetorical. Just look at the lack of space anywhere on this work; everything is jumbled together, all on top of each other, going in every direction. There are layers of different characters that make it hard to discern where one person begins and another ends. To add to that, the deep carvings create a dark shadow look that gives it a dramatic contrast between light and dark. You can also see it in the hair and faces of t

Am I, Dare I Say, Basic?

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THE Classic Ladies and Gentlemen, I have now been forced out of my comfort zone and asked to write about a piece of art from a long time ago. But don't worry, not only will my GPA be alright, I plan on taking it to new heights! Because I do everything BIG. Clothes size? LARGE. Shoe size? 13. McDonald's Big Mac Meal? SUPERSIZE IT. So why would I not talk about the biggest piece of art EVER? I don't even have to say the name, just look at it. angelic music playing   stops the track Okay, that's enough. It's time to get serious. This piece of work deserves the utmost respect. I sincerely apologize, Ms. Lisa. To get my last thoughts out about this piece, I would say that I know more about it now that I'm in this class, but I still have the same opinion. One day, I might go to the museum to look at it, and my kid is going to look up at me and say, "Dad, what is this piece of work that I'm looking at?" And I'm going to say, "Son/Daughter, this