Landscape and the Sublime

1. What and when was the Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement during the late 17^th/ 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 1^st 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.

James Turrell, Bridget’s Bardo, Installation (2009)

Bernardo Bellotto was a late 17^th 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.

Bernardo Bellotto, Arno in Florence (1740)

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://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment

http://faculty.ucc.edu/egh-damerow/the_enlightenment.htm

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/enlightenment

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grandeur

http://azurebumble.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/james-turrell-the-wolfsburg-project/

http://www.homeschoolonline.co.uk/art/history-of-art/art-in-the-age-of-the-enlightenment.html

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

The Social Status of the Artist

1.Identify aspects of Durer's self portrait that show a changing view of the artist's view of himself as an individual.

 In Duerer’s final self-portrait he has portrayed himself in a Christ like pose. The portrait was inscribed with 'Thus I, Albrecht Duerer from Nuremburg, painted myself with indelible colours at the age of 28 years.' Duerer did not render himself in this specific pose as though he believes he is god but instead  his Christ-like depiction acts as a reminder to viewers that an artist’s creativity is god- given .

2. Explain how the artist's social status increased during the Renaissance period. Briefly explain why this happened.

In 1498, Dürer had been elevated to a status equalling that of a member of the upper social circles. He took a number of trips to Italy where he studied under masters like the Venetians, Jacopo de Barbari, Giovanni Bellini and Leonardo De Vinci. The centuries following art historians began to talk about "a Dürer renaissance" in Italy.

3. Comment on Gavin Turk's work in relation to individualism, status of the artist and egotism.

Turk reflects on self- obsession and uncertainty as prominent features throughout his work. His work show’s a degree of Individualism and egotism. Individualism is defined as “a social theory advocating the liberty, rights, or independent action of the individual.” Egotism is defined as “excessive and objectionable reference to oneself in conversation or writing; conceit; boastfulness.”  These two concepts are very evident in his work as his particular style is different to that of other artists and his subject matter is quite often a depiction of himself in one way or another.

4. Comment on Damien Hirst's use of his work and the media for self-promotion.

Hirst uses controversial work to grab the attention of the media such as “putting animals in formaldehyde and presenting them as art” (The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991). The themes of his work mostly explore the ideas surrounding life and death. The twisted and unusual pieces created by Hirst create concern and curiosity for the viewers.

5. Find 2 images of work by artists or designers that reflects some of the ideas of individualism, self-promotion or egotism that have been discussed on this blog. Upload images to your blog, title and date the work, identify the artist/designer and comment on the work in relation to the question.

Michael Smither’s is one of New Zealand’s most well- known artists. His work shows a particular style and individualism as it has an almost child- like appearance yet portrays a great sophistication as well. A majority of his paintings are associated with political events ''Often my paintings take a long time to complete; they become autobiographical, absorbing emotional intellectual and spiritual developments.”

“ Big Occity” (1970)

This piece above is representative of a more personal influence for his works (his children, family etc.) they were also subjects for much of his work.

“Thomas was fascinated by having power over dark and light. Big Occity was his name for this power and he regularly plunged us into the 18^th century”

6. How do you think artists and designers are viewed in Western society today?

I think artists/ designers are respected in a more contemporary context in western society today. An individual style and technique is greatly accepted and there is allot of freedom with art.

REFERENCE

http://www.artchive.com/artchive/D/durer.html

http://www.oneonta.edu/faculty/farberas/arth/ARTH200/artist/durer_intro.html

http://www.artquotes.net/masters/hirst/art.htm

http://www.prints.co.nz/page/fine-art/PROD/New_Zealand_Mountain_Pictures/8037

http://www.worldprintmakers.com/masters/durero/durer.htm

Barbara Kruger and Mercantilism

1.       Describe the 'style' that Kruger has used in the two presented works.

Barbara Kruger has used a contemporary/ collage style in these two works. “Kruger began to employ found images in her art, mostly from mid-American print-media sources” (http://www.arthistoryarchive.com) she used these images along with her graphic design skills to convey a message to her audience about the consumer culture.

2.      What are some of the concepts and messages that Kruger is communicating in them?

Her art portrays very prominent messages which are generally on the topics of religion, sex, stereotypes, power, consumerism and corporate greed.

 Kruger’s image “I shop therefore I am” is influenced by the well- known “I think therefore I am” phrase. This phrase was first said by Rene Descartes, a natural philosopher. The philosophical statement simply means “that if someone wonders whether or not he exists, that is…proof that he does exist (because, at the very least, there is an “I” who does the thinking)" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogito_ergo_sum). Barbara Kruger’s take on the common phrase implies that consumerism is such a big part of life now that we do not “think” but “shop” instead, therefore we exist.

Her second image “Face it” also express’s a harsh message about the consumer culture. The small text saying “this luxurious garment won’t make you rich or beautiful” defines how women spend so much on beautiful things that no matter how much they buy it doesn’t enhance their natural self or their fortune.  The big text “FACE IT” is just the “icing on the cake” as Kruger is telling her audience to suck it up and accept that these are the facts.

3.    Do these images communicate these ideas effectively? Explain your answer.

The messages in the images are very black and white in their meanings.

I think the image “I shop therefore I am” carry’s a very strong message not just in the text but in the composition too. The hand in the image creates the idea that they are holding up a label which acts as a sort of name-tag for people and underlines our needs for material things.

“Face it”, communicates its ideas effectively as the bold text overlaying the image is striking and gets your attention which then leads you to the fine print “this luxurious garment won’t make you rich or beautiful”. The small text represents the idea that people do not often acknowledge this when consuming material things.

4.      Define the concept of Mercantilism and explain how these two examples can connect with the concept.

Mercantilism is the idea that a state prospers by the amount of money and precious metals they accumulate by exporting a considerably larger amount of products than they import. Kruger’s two images can connect to this concept as Mercantilism is a similar idea to consumerism which is the subject of her art.

5.      Upload a more recent example of Kruger's work where she has used a new medium that is not graphic design. Title your image of the chosen work and comment on your response to the work. How do you think the audience would experience this work?

"Untitled/Chess Board"

Barbara Kruger paired up with the UK specialists “Machine shop” to create an electronic chess set that Kruger designed and they brought to life. The set features talking pieces which say things like “don’t argue with me” and “you’re good” when they are moved. So while you are playing a game of chess you are captivated as the pieces are having an intriguing conversation right in front of you. This 3d work of Kruger’s would trigger a different type of response from her audience compared to her 2d art. The audience would be more engaged in the work as it is a popular game and would provoke much conversation between players. The chess set is aesthetically a typical Kruger piece as it is covered in her bold black, white and red distinctive style.

http://www.specialeffects.co.uk/art/Barbara-Kruger.html

http://www.lovingadgets.com/barbara-kruger-computerized-chess-set-isn%E2%80%99t-tender-by-your-bishop-video-201012/