THURSDAY, 26 APRIL 2012

1.Define the Enlightenment, including its context (time and place).

Enlightenment (or as some may say the the age of Enlightenment or Age of Reason) was a cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century, mostly in Europe but as too America. The purpose of this movement was to reform society and advance knowledge from where it was currently sitting. Like the Renaissance, the values and ideas developed during the period of the Enlightenment are described as having a major influence on current ways of thinking in the west and therefore the production of contemporary western visual culture. This was a belief system with a characteristic bundle of ideas. This intellectual movement involved a publishing industry, and an audience for its output.

2. Define the concept of the Sublime.

Though matched and paired with the word beautiful, the sublime has nothing like its current, or modern thought of meaning. The use of the term may even strike some people as affected. To call a work `sublime' is rather like calling it `divine'. But if a critic uses `sublime' to characterize a work which induces amazement, wonder or awe in virtue of its ambition, scope or a passion which seems to drive it, then this use of words may be seen as classical criticism. On the Sublime, historically attributed to Longinus but now generally recognized to date from the first century AD, before Longinus' time. On the Sublime deals with forms of expression which have the power to `entrance' us, to `transport us with wonder', as opposed to merely persuading or pleasing us.

The sublime was the ultimate experience of divinity, a mixture of awe, fear and enlightenment produced by the contemplation of a powerful, terrifying nature.  

3. Explain how the concept of the Sublime came out of Enlightenment thought.
The sublime was the ultimate experience of an object, the smell, texture, form, colour etc. The concept of Enlightenment was to inform and educate society and advance the knowledge in which people of this time were currently being taught. So in turn the concept of Sublime was almost certain to rise from Enlightenment, as it was more or likely about educating society further than what they knew or thought. 

4. Discuss the subject matter, and aesthetic (look) of Misrach's work to identify the Sublime in his work. Include some quotes from art critics and other writers who have written about his work. 

Looking at Misrach's work I can see and identify the idea of Sublime in his work. His photographs are not just amazing to look at, but he shows small things like textures of the sand or the ripple in the sea. He also shows persecutive in his photographs-showing the size of people compared the huge landscape. One critic saying "It looks like stuff that could have been gathered at a homeless camp after some awful crime and saved as evidence" some people don't find his taste in art pleasing as it generally relates to something tragic or un pleasant. However there are some people who find his work brilliant, work than could only be done by a true artist. Some critics saying "One of the most influential photographers of his generation, Richard Misrach embraces new techniques and his profound social conscience has produced a body of work of remarkable breadth and meaning" Touching on the subject matter of sublime Misrach explores study of weather, time, color and light in his stunning photographs. 

5. Add 2 new images of his work to your blog.

6. Describe how does Misrach's photography makes you feel. How does it appeal to your imagination?

Looking at Misrach's work I get an overwhelming feeling of loneliness, Im not sure weather its the plan view of his photographs leaving me with the feeling I'm looking down on the people while being stuck up high by myself. Or weather its how his works have an underlining idea of death or tragedy. But then on the other hand I get the sense of peace and calmness. His works also looks nearly fake-like its cartoon or drawn. Over-all Misrach work is very interesting.

7. Identify some other artists or designers that work with ideas around the Sublime, from the Enlightenment era as well as contemporary artists.

French sculptor, David d'Angers during his visit to Dresden in 1834 found David Friedrich's work to be inspiring and stated "Friedrich has a somber spirit. He has understood completely how to represent in landscape the great struggles of nature." Until after Friedrich's death in 1840 this piece of work went unsold, as his work was seen as far too radical for the time.


Thomas Joshua Cooper is a contemporary artist who demonstrates ideas around the Sublime. Cooper states "I am interested in making an intelligent art of high emotion with a specific cultural purpose. There are issues of the spirit which involve longing and belonging..." Cooper frequently composes his scenes in such a way that the horizon line is invisible, resulting in an experience of immersion in the landscape. This concern with the immersive nature of the work links him to the tradition of Romantic and Sublime painting.

8. Add a Sublime image of your choice to your blog, which can be Art or just a Sublime photograph.

Sea Of Ice David Friedrich

9. Reference your sources (books and websites).

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2008374684_henry11.html

http://www.cityarts.net/event/richard-misrach/

http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2008/misrach/images/misrach_flippers_fs.jpg

http://www.pdnphotooftheday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Untitled-704-03-2003.jpg