1. What and when was the Enlightenment?
The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement during the late 17th/ early 18th century, defined as the belief in the power of human reason and by advances in political, religious, and educational doctrine. The movement gave rise to Capitalism and Socialism. The enlightenment was about understanding the social world and how it derived from modern science which can therefore help improve the living conditions on earth.
2. Define the concept of the Sublime.
The concept “sublime” is defined as “impressing the mind with a sense of grandeur or power”. When this concept is related to art it means the work has an uplifting or awe- inspiring element to it.
3. How did the concept of the Sublime come out of the Enlightenment thought?
The art work before the Enlightenment era used religious influences for subject matter. During the enlightenment artists began exploring landscape and scenery creating a sublime setting where people and religion was not the main focus of the work.
4. Discuss the subject matter, and aesthetic (look) of Misrach's work to identify the Sublime in his work. Add some more images of his work.
Richard Misrach uses vast viewpoints from which he takes his images this supports and magnifies the sublime look of his work. The subject matter of 'Untitled #2" (2002) includes a sandy beach, clear blue sea water and a single person walking who looks like an ant in the work. This particular image creates a typical idea of the sublime as the single isolated person helps to portray a sense of freedom on this deserted beach. The clear water which is almost sparkling depicts perfect scenery. The second image 'Untitled # 394-03' (2003) is similar to the 1st in the way that it makes you feel very clear and refreshed.
Battleground Point #19 (1999)
Hazardous Waste Containment Site,Dow Chemical Corporation (1998)
5. Identify some other artists or designers that work with ideas around the Sublime, from the Enlightenment era as well as contemporary artists.
James Turrell, a Californian artist uses light as his key medium. Turrell’s focus since the 1960s has been on exploring the diversity of light and working towards a new form of light art. The light work Turrell uses causes surface, colour and space and allows the viewers to surround themselves in a mysterious, painterly world. As light is often associated with the sublime appearance, Turrell’s work creates a sublime and unreal atmosphere for the viewer.
Bernardo Bellotto was a late 17th century painter. His primary subject matter was urban landscapes. Bellotto's style was described as an ornate representation of architectural and natural scenes, and by the specific quality of each subjects lighting.
6. How does Misrach's photography make you feel? Does it appeal to your imagination?
Richard Misrachs work does appeal to me in the way that it makes me feel uplifted and clear headed his work has a simplicity which allows the viewer to create a more detailed image in their mind about what they would do in that space. His work acts as a canvas for the imagination which I quite like.
References:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grandeur
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernardo_Bellotto
