Blog 8 Non-Western

Fernando Botero, The Orchestra, 1991, Oil on canvas
78¾ x 67¾ in.

I found this painting to be very amusing and interesting.  It looks as if they are performing at a festive event, as you can see the lights eluminating in the background.  I love how each member has a different expression.  The guitar player looks uncomfortable and nervous, while the drummer looks a bit confused.  The other 2 members look as if they are enjoying themselves and the instruments they are playing.  I just think the painting is very amusing and I love the detail that Botero puts into his work.  I also love how Botero’s work is different.  In our society, men and women are portrayed if they are good looking and slim, and Botero goes against society.  The Orchestra is a humourous piece of art put together by a great artist. 

Botero is a Columbian artist who’s work is known to be laden with satirical and political commentary.  This is one of many works in which Botero uses rounded, larger figures painted in bright colors to create sensuousness.  In this painting Botero goes against what our society idolizes, slenderness.  Botero’s works are often humorous and satirical and they include individual or family portraits, nudity, still lifes, and equestrian figures.  If you read Botero’s quote below, you can see what Botero values and attempts to create in his works. 

“I believe that it is important to create something in which the painting functions within free, imaginative, innovative parameters. It is not a matter of creating the kind of beauty that fits into the classical canons. The purpose, rather, is to reach a stage at which it has become possible to surprise and be surprised. It is a matter of finding something that, in the midst of exuberance and distortion, conveys peace and equilibrium.”

http://www.boterosa.org/photogallery/index.html

http://www.artknowledgenews.com/Fernando_Botero.html

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Fernando_Botero.aspx

Blog 7 – Non Western

Jose Clemente Orozco, Man of Fire, 1938-1939, Hospicio Cabanas, Guadalajara

This is a piece from Mexican artist Jose Clemente Orozco that I find very interesting.  Orozco painted very clear and detailed, as if it were a camera taking pictures.  He was influenced by the famous Mexican artists Jose Posada.  Man of Fire was possibly the greatest achievement in Orozco’s career and I liked it the most out of all his works.  I was able to understand the symbolism and theme of the painting.  I really appreciate the talent in this painting and I love the detail and the meaning. 

In this painting, Orozco’s image is a metaphor for social struggle while also combining with the essense of the ideal.  Orozco does a great job illustrating an accurate account of man’s personal suffering without overpowering it with emotion.  Orozco’s detail really brings out the meaning in Man of Fire and that makes it intriguing for the viewers.

http://www.wfu.edu/history/StudentWork/fysprojects/kmason/Orozco.htm

Postmodern – Art Exhibit

The theme for my virtual exhibit is The Seasons of Life.  I decided to go with this theme because I love the four seasons and each season is unique.  All of the works in the exhibit are connected to one of the seasons.  I have chosen Julian Beever and Andy Goldsworthy as the artists and have selected three works from each of them. 

 Julian Beever is a British artist known for creating optical illusions through street drawings.  He is a chalk-artist who draws on pavement surfaces and has worked in the US and numerous countries all over Europe.  In addition to his street drawings, he also paints murals, oil paintings, and creates collages.  For my theme The Seasons of Life I chose a few of Beever’s oil paintings that fit in with my theme. 

 Andy Goldsworthy is an innovative British artist who creates his works by using natural materials such as snow, ice, leaves, clay, etc.  In addition to being a well known environmental artist who will use his bare hands, teeth, and saliva to help put together his works, he is also a photographer and sculptor.  Goldsworthy likes to express his travels through nature and capture his creations on camera. 

  

Julian Beever, Spring on the Campsite, Could not find date, Mons Belgium

Julian Beever’s Spring on the Campsite is one of his many oil paintings.  This painting has a spring feeling to it and makes you want to be out there sitting on the chairs enjoying the weather.  It connects to my theme The Seasons of Life because it portrays springtime and the beauty of the spring season.  Beever gives a great depiction of what a great season spring is.  I love this painting because of the detail and the setting.  I love when all the snow is gone and the weather gets warmer and this painting makes me want to be there. 

 

Julian Beever, Michaelmas daisies in sunshine, Could not find date

 I believe this painting connects with summer because the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining.  This painting by Beever is a great depiction of the beauty of summer which is one of The Seasons of Life.  I like the setting of this painting.  I enjoy the daises in the front but I like the yard in the back with the trees in the background.  I wish I could be relaxing in a yard like this on a nice summer day. 

 

Julian Beever, Watermill in the Spring, Could not find date, Mons Belium

Beever’s Watermill in the Spring is another great depiction of springtime.  This connects with my theme because of the season it portrays.  I really like this work by Beever because of the view it presents.  It feels as if a person is looking in on this great house and yard and wanting to be there.  You can see people working in the background and I like the faded look of the house and the beauty of the yard.  The clear blue sky makes for a great setting and a perfect day at a great house. 

 

 Andy Goldsworthy, Icicle Star, joined with saliva, Could not find date

This work by Goldsworthy connects with my theme The Seasons of Life in that it portrays winter with the Icicle Star and the snowy background.  Winter is a great season and Goldsworthy did an amazing job with this work.  He used saliva to help keep this together and I find this work stunning.  I can’t imagine how much time it took him to do this but it is amazing. 

 

Andy Goldsworthy, Autumn Cherry Leaves, Could not find date

 This connects with my theme of the seasons because the autumn cherry leaves represent the fall season.  It is very simple but it is a great depiction of the beauty of the fall season.  The leaves are changing color and falling on the ground and Goldsworthy does a great job putting this piece together. 

 

 Andy Goldsworthy, Snow Circles, December 19, 1987, Izumi-Mura, Japan

 This last work is my favorite.  The snow circles represent the winter season and fall in line with my theme of the seasons of life.  It could be viewed as very simple but Goldsworthy does a great job with all the snow circles and drawing the viewer’s attention to the circles.  It makes the eye look at the circles and wonder what’s behind it.  Snow is the natural material he uses and he does a great job making this out of nothing.  Snow Circles is a great depiction of the beauty of winter. 

 Works Cited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Goldsworthy

http://www.morning-earth.org/artistnaturalists/an_goldsworthy.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Beever

http://users.skynet.be/J.Beever/pave.htm

http://www.rwc.uc.edu/artcomm/web/w2005_2006/maria_Goldsworthy/TEST/index.html

Hans Arp’s Automatic Drawing

Jean (Hans) Arp, Automatic Drawing, 1917-1918 inscribed 1916, France. 

Hans Arp was a pioneer of abstract art and was one of the founders of the Dada movement.  Born in Germany, Arp was a French sculptor, collagist, printmaker and poet.  Dada was a name meant to imitate a child’s first words, sounding like yes, yes.  The Dada art movement was formed around WWI and before WWII.  The Dada artists believed that traditions created the war, and because of that tradition should be rejected.  Dada artists attempted to break every mold that tradition had created.  Some of the art relied on chants, and interesting relief sculptures were created.  There were some very unique works that were created, one of them being Arp’s Automatic Drawing.  Arp created this piece by using ink and pencil on paper. 

This is a unique drawing and I don’t really know what to make of it.  I do not love the drawing and really don’t understand it, but that may be in part to my lack of art knowledge.  This drawing from Arp was however influenced by WWI. 

Avant-garde had a big impact on the art world with its radical abstraction, but after WWI there was a greater sense in the art world for experimentation and rejection of traditional styles of art.  Pioneers of the post WWI era were no longer concerned with depicting reality.  Hans Arp’s Automatic Drawing was one of his many works that were influenced by the WWI.  After WWI, Arp renewed his contacts with the avant-garde in Germany, France and Italy and worked to spread Dada.  WWI had a big influence on art, and Arp felt that Dad represented the reconciliation of man with nature and also the incorporation of art into life.   Arp believed that Dada was a moral revolution, and his work Automatic Drawing was part of that revolution Arp believed in.  Arp believed that if tradition was responsible for the war, then tradition should not be respected.  He quoted “Repelled by the slaughter-house of the world war, we turned to art. We searched for an elementary art that would, we thought, save mankind from the furious madness of these times.”

 It is clear that Hans Arp was influenced by WWI and one of his works was his Automatic Drawing.  Like I said earlier, I don’t really care for this drawing and do not find it appealing, but I do like the story behind it.  Hans Arp was one of the founders of the Dada movement which was influenced by WWI.  I was attracted to this drawing not because of my aesthetic reaction but rather because of the background and how it came to be.

Impressionism

I am rather impartial to the Impressionist style of art.  I find Impressionism unique and I do enjoy some of the pieces of work, but it is not my favorite style.  I appreciate the talent and techniques used to create the art.  The art looks a lot different from the other styles with the loose brush strokes, sketchy lines, and random dabs of color that blend together.  My first thought of impressionist art was that it looked sloppier than the previous styles of art, but after seeing more of the paintings I realized that it is actually quite unique.  The subject matter of impressionism involved the transitory effects of light and weather, the amusements and pastimes of the upper and middle classes, and pleasant moments.  Impressionism subject matter does not focus on historical and classical antiquities, and religion. 

An example of a work of art that I enjoy is Impression Sunrise by Claude Monet.  This work was the work that created the term Impressionism.  You can see the loose brush strokes, dabs of broken color, and controlled compositions in water, sky, and trees throughout the painting.  Monet did a great job in this painting and gave the painting a very unique look, different than ever before.  Although this impressionist painting by Monet is great art, I am a bigger fan of neoclassical art and Northern Renaissance art. 

Claude Monet, Impression Sunrise, Musee Marmottan Monet 1873

My favorite work of visual arts from the Northern Renaissance was Albrecht Durer’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  I found the detail of the horses and the people in the painting to be magnificent and I really like the action of the painting.  I feel like the painting is an action shot and brings the scene to life.  I liked the dramatic effect of the painting and the motion and danger that was brought into that moment.  Overall, I liked quite a few of the paintings but this one was my favorite.

Albrecht Durer, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, ca. 1497-1498

The Impressionism style of art is different than the neoclassical style in that the characteristics of a neoclassical style painting include being somber, linear, and capturing frozen moments in time.  There was a focus on moral virtue, patriotic self-sacrifice, goodly deeds, and Roman ideals.  The subject matter consisted of Roman stories of virtuous behavior, heroism, and tributes to self-sacrifice.

Then there is also Rococo style painting.  Characteristics of a Rococo style painting were pastel colors, gracefully delicate curving shapes and forms, fanciful figures, ornamental, lighter, more elegant, and not heavy or dramatic.  I was not a huge fan of Rococo just because of the fact it was very light and elegant, not overly dramatic, and that there was an emphasis on pleasure.  The subject matter was also light and frivolous with an emphasis on pleasure.  I prefer the neoclassical style of art because of the focus it had on moral virtue and good deeds.  I also enjoyed how the paintings captured frozen moments in time and I loved how the subject matter consisted of heroism. 

As you can see, there are a lot of differences throughout the various styles of art.  Impressionist art is very unique and a lot of people love the art, but for me it is not my favorite style.  I respect the artists and admire the work and enjoy some of the work, but overall I am impartial to the impressionist style of art. 

Brandon Knelsen

Haydn’s “The Surprise” Symphony

Please listen by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJDWh9F3Vig

Franz Joseph Haydn, The Surprise, London 1971

Franz Joseph Haydn was the oldest of the three main composers of the Classical era.  He composed many symphonies and stringed quartets throughout his illustrious career, and he played a big role in developing these two genres.   Haydn had a humorous personality and would often portray that humor in his music.  His 94^th Symphony, The Surprise is one of his more popular works and is one of my favorites.  The Surprise starts out with slower movement and then Haydn surprises you with a sudden loud chord.  I find that he keeps you on your seat and you never know what to expect next.  That’s the kind of composer he was.  He was not afraid to put humor into his work.

 Haydn’s work was part of the rise of the middle class.  In the beginning of the Classical era, composers were just performing for the aristocratic classes for their private entertainment.  As the era went on, there was a rise in public concerts because there was a demand from the middle class for music that was accessible and recognizable.  There was a change in audience, and that created a change in music.  There was more melody driven music with homophonic texture.  Haydn’s music, particular his 94^th symphony The Surprise, appealed to the middle class, who demanded a higher level of organization in instrumental music.  The audience wanted a predictability of repetition and contrast in music in public concerts so they could understand it.  The Surprise was part of Haydn’s visit to England, and people of all classes came to see his concerts.  With so many people flocking to see him, Haydn became rich and financially stable. 

The Surprise Symphony was one of many symphonies for Haydn.  A key component of Haydn’s music is the development of larger structures out of short, simple motifs, which resulted from standard accompanying figures.  The important musical events of a movement can unfold quickly as his music is frequently formally concentrated.  Haydn’s 94^th symphony was one of many works that appealed to the middle class because of its simplicity, melody and homophonic texture. 

 Haydn was an extremely talented composer and The Surprise is a composition that I really enjoyed.  There is such a beautiful melody, a great change of pace, and a loud surprise that makes you jump out of your seat.  It goes from quiet and soft to loud and energetic in a matter of seconds.  The composition is very lively at times and very upbeat while it is also mellow and soft at other times.  With regards to how this work would have broader public appeal, I really can’t say exactly.  I know that I had never heard this symphony before this class.  I knew about Haydn and who he was, but never had paid attention to any of his works.  Fanatics of classical music obviously know about this, but I am guessing for a lot of people, they have never heard this.  I think this work would have broader public appeal if more people studied classic music and learned about the Baroque era, Classical era, etc.  If people were more educated, they would have a greater appreciation for classical music.  A lot of people may not understand the music because there is no words, and if people were more educated about the music there would probably be broader popular appeal. 

Brandon Knelsen

Baroque era – Bernini’s David

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, David, marble, 1623-24 (Galleria Borghese, Rome)

Bernini was very prominent in the Roman art world of the 17^th century, and he flourished under the patronage of its cardinals and popes while challenging contemporary artistic traditions.  Bernini’s David is my favorite work of art from the Baroque era.  The marble sculpture is filled with emotion and drama, leaving the viewer feeling what David is feeling.  Bernini presents David in the midst of his battle against Goliath and we see David putting all his strength into hurling his stone at Goliath.  I feel as if I can relate not just mentally, but also physically, as if I were launching that stone with every once of strength I had against a superior foe.  With Bernini’s David, you really start to feel what David is feeling, and Bernini does this by using the space around it and reaching out into the space of the viewer.  Bernini’s David includes tortion which creates a dynamic figure which extends into the viewer’s space. 

Bernini’s David was very realistic and dramatic as it caught David at the climax of the action when he was battling Goliath.  The depictions of Bernini’s David are so different than those from the Renaissance because of the drama and action that Bernini captured with his portrait of David.  A major influence was the Counter-Reformation, with the Council of Trent.  The Baroque style in Italy was the direct result of the Counter-Reformation, and the Church needed a powerful style of art to fight against Martin Luther, and the Baroque style did just that.  Artists like Bernini used powerful, dramatic, muscular, and sometimes frightening art too really get to the viewer.  Bernini was one of the greatest artists of the Baroque era and he often worked for the Papacy.  Stories were used to counter the Protestant threat and depictions of stories through art were captured with clarity, realism, and emotion.  Bernini’s David did exactly that.  The Catholic Church employed artists, like Bernini, on a grand scale to depict paintings of biblical stories in a dramatic and theatrical light in an effort to thwart the Protestant Reformation.   The path to God in the Baroque era was very direct and emotional, which was because of the embattled position of the Church, and it felt it needed to appeal directly to the faithful. 

I think that Bernini’s David is absolutely amazing.  I love the drama that Bernini portrays and I love the detail in the statue.  David’s body looks so real and he looks very focused with the sling in his hand.  I love the way his muscles are rippling as he shoots his sling at Goliath.  It just shows how David, who is much smaller that Goliath, is putting everything he has into his throw.  I like the pouch of stones around David’s shoulder and how stretched his sling looks.  I think most of all I love how this sculpture tells a story.  Bernini does not leave out any details in his sculpture which leaves for the viewer to imagine the story.  Bernini uses compositions in the shape of diagonal lines which suggests movement, energy, and drama.  Bernini portrays David at the climax of the action and I am amazed at how realistic this statue is. 

 Brandon Knelsen

Blog 1 Assignment – Hans Holbein and The Ambassadors

Hans Holbein the Younger, The Ambassadors, Oil on panel, 1533 (National Gallery, London)

Hans Holbein was a very talented artist during the Northern Renaissance.  His painting, The Ambassadors is a masterful painting that is very detailed and has lots of symbolism.  The Ambassadors is a portrait with two ambassadors that were members of King Henry VIII’s court and there are various objects in the painting that are very symbolic.  The ambassador on the right is a bishop while the one on the left is an ambassador of France.  Holbein’s double portrait included the Italian tradition of linear perspective and was a celebration of love and of wealth and success.  The wealth is very evident in this painting with the ambassador’s fur robes and silk sleeves, and all the objects that symbolize the wealth and knowledge of the French Ambassadors, including the globes, lute, and books.   

This painting came at a complicated political moment, as it came at the time of the Reformation.  At this moment, we are three years away from the demise of the power of the pope and these ambassadors are coming from France and representing the Catholic Church.  Also, the artist Holbein is coming from Switzerland which is in its own reformation and is going to England representing Catholics.  Europe is becoming divided and Northern Europe is becoming protestant while some countries are still loyal to the pope.  There is a challenge to the papacy at this time and we can see that Holbein’s painting connects with the Reformation. 

The objects on the top layer of the table are objects of navigation and symbolize that the ambassadors are travelers.  The tools show that the ambassadors have mastered and controlled nature and they symbolize authority and worldly success.  The lute could hint to problems in Europe as there is a broken string in the lute which could symbolize discord in Europe and challenge in the church.  Furthermore, the compass is in the light and reminds us of northern tradition.  In the upper left corner there is a half hidden body of Christ, kind of obscured, and it may be directly related with that smudge at the bottom.  That smudge at the bottom is expanded at the same angle that the lute has been expanded and may be an aspect of moralizing and shows God’s love for mankind and how salvation is achieved through Christ.  At first glance it is tough to see what that smudge is, but if looked at closely, it is a skull which has been distorted and can only be viewed from a mirror.  This skull may be an expression of death and along with the half hidden crucifix that shows how we don’t see things from Christ’s view.  There is a limit to human vision and the skull reminds us that there are some things in life that are beyond human’s knowledge. 

After looking into greater depth about The Ambassadors, I was amazed how everything was so very detailed and minutely painted.  At first glance, I would never noticed the skull at the bottom of the picture and how finely painted it was.  The knots in the wood are amazing and I love how the nail splits in the wood.  The costumes and all the objects are so precise and thorough and I love the story that this painting creates.  I am not big into art, but after listening to some analysis of this painting, I like all the symbolism in Holbein’s painting.  Overall, I am amazed by Holbein’s talent and I really like his famous painting, The Ambassadors. 

Brandon Knelsen

Hello

 Hello everyone, I am new to blogging and I am taking Art 200 at UAF.