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A (BRIEF) HISTORY INTRODUCTION TO MODERN ART DAY 2

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SO FAR WE HAVE:

Learned about what Modern means.
Seen some examples of Modern Artists and Modern Art and Art Movements
Learn about and discuss how modern art developed – what happened in the time leading up to 1860s and after
Understand that context is very important to understanding art
Could any a five year old child make Modern Art?

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WE HAVE LOOKED AT BLACK SQUARE AND TRIED TO UNDERSTAND WHY IT WAS CREATED

WE HAVE LOOKED AT OTHER ARTWORKS AND THEIR CONTEXT

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW THOUGHTS ON IT?

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IS THERE A DEEPER INTERPRETATION OF MODERN ART?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiL0FTbmcpQ

Lemserment des Horace - easy to see what’s going on

Composition 8 - needs more thought.

Schopenhauer - theory of aesthetics We live in a horrible world. Suffering. Nature fights itself. Circle of life and food chain is harsh.

Enjoying art allows us to forget temporarily suffering

Music - highest art. Non-representational. It is enjoyed for the sake of it.

Horace - recreated a scene of the world. Not the case with music. It is a pure expression of ourselves. Allows us to go beyond false representation

Composition 8 - it is less representational. It has less Literal Colours and shapes? So trying to make a painting that uses the idea of PURE CREATIVITY (like music). The less representational = better example of pure creativity.

Abstract tried to show something using visual language beyond the SPIRITUAL. But. Painting are made of humanist materials so to is hard to separate the material from the human.

Is all modern art deep and meaningful? Not necessarily.

1- random application of colour and shape

2- use of colour in fantasy form.

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DESCRIBE THE ARTWORK

What are we actually seeing?

Describe the piece out loud as though you are describing it to someone who cannot see it.

This may make us ask simpler questions but create a deeper view of what you are seeing

These questions are important. Write them down. Answer them

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ANALYSE WHAT YOU SEE

Why is the artwork like that? Did the artist do that intentionally?

How did it make me feel when I first saw it?

Start with the most obvious parts and keep going. Write it down

Why is it a sculpture/painting/photograph?

Composition (organization of shapes)

What types of shapes are used in this artwork (i.e. rounded, curved, straight-edged or geometric shapes)?

Is there a mixture of different types of shapes or are all the shapes similar?

Are some partsfull of shapes and some parts empty.

Are some shapes repeated or echoed in other parts of the artwork?

Does the whole composition look full of energy and movement, or does it look still and peaceful? How did the artist create this movement/stillness?

What is the center of interest in the composition?

How does the artist draw your attention to it?

Use the elements/principles to reflect upon the art form

Determination of subject matter through naming iconographic elements, e.g., historical event, allegory, mythology, etc.

Selection of most distinctive features or characteristics whether line, shape, color, texture, etc.

Analysis of the principles of design or composition, e.g., stable,

repetitious, rhythmic, unified, symmetrical, harmonious, geometric, varied, chaotic, horizontal or vertically oriented, etc.

Discussion of how elements or structural system contribute to appearance of image or function

Analysis of use of light and role of color, e.g., contrasty, shadowy,

illogical, warm, cool, symbolic, etc.

Treatment of space and landscape, both real and illusionary (including use of perspective), e.g., compact, deep, shallow, naturalistic, random

Portrayal of movement and how it is achieved

Effect of particular medium(s) used

Your perceptions of balance, proportion and scale (relationships of each part of the composition to the whole and to each other part) and your emotional

Reaction to object or monument

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WHAT IS THE ARTIST TRYING TO SAY

Is there more to it than what I see. Is there an overall theme or story?

What was happening at the time? Is there a social, cultural or political relevance?

Is it abstract? What makes it abstract?

How would you explain this to your uncle who doesn’t like Modern Art?

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IN YOUR OPINION, WAS THIS ARTWORK SUCCESSFUL?

Knowing what I know now, what do I think of this artwork?

Was the artist successful in conveying an idea?

“I feel that the use of colour as an expression of emotion is powerful. Rothko uses simple shape to no distract from the sense of size and power.”

Based upon what you have observed already, give your opinion of the artwork. You MUST give reason.

Use aesthetic theories to help evaluate

Is it a good artwork?

Criteria: What criteria do I think are most appropriate for judging the artwork?

Evidence: What evidence inside or outside the artwork relates to each criterion?

Judgment: Based on the criteria and evidence, what is my judgment about the quality of the artwork?

“Franz Marc has created an effective expressive painting, because the hot colors and lively brush marks he has used add to the overall feeling of energy and excitement his is trying to create.”

“The overall mood of this drawing would be improved if Kathe Kollowitz had used strong, dramatic shadows, instead of pale tones. Dark tones would develop the feeling of fear and loneliness in this image.”

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IT MAY BE EASIER IF YOU HAVE A PEN AND PAPER READY

We are going to watch a few short films about Jackson Pollock’s One: Number 31.

I would like to see if, as a group, we can dive in to the painting and analyse it a little deeper.

Based upon what you have observed already, give your opinion of the artwork. You MUST give reason.

Use aesthetic theories to help evaluate

Is it a good artwork?

Criteria: What criteria do I think are most appropriate for judging the artwork?

Evidence: What evidence inside or outside the artwork relates to each criterion?

Judgment: Based on the criteria and evidence, what is my judgment about the quality of the artwork?

“Franz Marc has created an effective expressive painting, because the hot colors and lively brush marks he has used add to the overall feeling of energy and excitement his is trying to create.”

“The overall mood of this drawing would be improved if Kathe Kollowitz had used strong, dramatic shadows, instead of pale tones. Dark tones would develop the feeling of fear and loneliness in this image.”

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WHAT DO YOU SEE?

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DID THE ARTIST DO THAT INTENTIONALLY?�HOW DID IT MAKE ME FEEL WHEN I FIRST SAW IT?

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IS THERE MORE TO IT THAN WHAT I SEE?�WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT THE TIME?

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WAS THE ARTIST SUCCESSFUL IN CONVEYING AN IDEA?

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JACKSON POLLOCK: LETS LOOK AT HOW HE MIGHT HAVE PAINTED IT

https://youtu.be/EncR_T0faKM

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JACKSON POLLOCK: IT IS ALWAYS VALUABLE TO HER OTHER PEOPLES’ IDEAS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVHxR7kcXkE

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JACKSON POLLOCK: AND A TRY TO FIND A MORE THAN ONE VIEW

https://youtu.be/uwDLROJaYXs?t=168

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DESCRIBE | ANALYSE | MEANING | OPINION

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HOW CAN WE USE OUR GROWING KNOWLEDGE OF ART AND CREATIVITY TO HELP US CREATE?

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POLLOCK LITERALLY “DREW IN SPACE”

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KNOWLEDGE IS A TOOL

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BUILD YOUR OWN TOOL BOX OF RESOURCES

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I HAVE ASKED YOU TO DO 2 THINGS:

Pick a piece of artwork that you are interested in and do a basic analysis of it.

Use the “Why my Five Year Old Could not have done that.” format.

Make your own version of that artwork.

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WHAT IS MODERN ART? IMPORTANT MOVEMENTS

Impressionism
Constructivists
Cubism
Futurism
Abstract Expressionism
Surrealism

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I HAVE ASKED YOU TO DO 2 THINGS:

Pick a piece of artwork that you are interested in and do a basic analysis of it.

Use the “Why my Five Year Old Could not have done that.” format.

Make your own version of that artwork.

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MY MOST USED RESOURCES

Youtube – Great Art Explained
Youtube - ArtForIntrovert;
Youtube - Louisianna Channel;
TED Talks
Website - Tate.org.uk
App - Google Art and Culture App
Website – Artsy.net
Book - The Art Book (Phaidon)
Book - The Twentieth Century Art Book (Phaidon)

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USING A SIMILAR FORMAT, BY THE END OF WEDNESDAY, I WOULD LIKE YOU EACH TO:

Create an A3 page based on a piece of Art
The artwork should be from 1860 to present day
Use the “Why my Five Year Old Could not have done that.” format.
It does not need to have a lot of words
It does need to be a piece of artwork that you like or are interested in – I might ask questions later.