Week 2 - Post-Modernism - Ai Weiwei and Banksy.

1.   Define Post-Modernism using 8-10 bullet points that include short quotes.

Post-Modernism is:

• All the ideas that emerged from Modernism were flawed, corrupt, and oppressive. “Modernism has played itself out and is now floundering and directionless” Witcombe (2000) And therefore due to the mounting evidence of failure of the modernist movement, post-modernity arose during the latter half of the 20^th century.

• “Constructive postmodernism seeks to recover truths and values from various forms of premodern thought and practice" (Witcombe 2000)

• The Modern movement desire was to delimit, bound and confine, while Postmodernism was created to replace that faulty side and erase all boundaries. 

• Deconstructive Modernism The principle and beliefs of Modernism are cast aside, “it seems to destroy or eliminate the ingredients that are believed necessary for a world-view, such as God, self, purpose, meaning, a real world and truth” (Witcombe 2000)

• Constructive Modernism attempts to remove all pre-existing borders that withhold the fundamentals of modernism. Seeking “to recover truths and values from various forms of premodern thought and practice”. Unifying “scientific, ethical, aesthetic, and religious intuitions”.Witcombe (2000)

• "...reason is the greatest enemy..." sometime it can do more evil than good, even if it looks logical on paper. Postmodernism involves undoing the faults and flaws which modernism holds and creates. 

• "Postmodernism is largely a reaction to the assumed certainty of scientific or objective efforts to explain reality."

• There is no general agreement, or black and white explanation on the precise definition. However In essence, postmodernism is loosely based on the idea that reality is not depicted in the human understanding of it, but is rather composed as the mind attempts to understand its own personal reality.

• "It rejects not science as such, but only that scientific approach in which only the data of the modern natural sciences are allowed to contribute to the construction of our world view" Witcombe (2000) 

2. Use a quote by Witcombe (2000) to define the Post-Modern artist.

“The post-modern artist is “reflexive” in that he/she is self-aware and consciously involved in a process of thinking about him/herself and society in a deconstructive manner, “demasking”

pretensions, becoming aware of his/her cultural self in history, and accelerating the process of self-consciousness.”

3. Use the grid on pages 42 and 43 to summarize the list of the features of Post-Modernity.

Postmodernism is based around the theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle surrounding social and cultural beliefs. Postmodernism challenges the fundamentals of modernity, focusing more on the adaption to visual media and the reality, rather than perception. The post modernist artist focuses on presenting work that relates to there own ideas and life experiences, and less on what people portray or expect. Its about 'de-masking' the 'real' and becoming self-aware. 

4. Use this summary to answer the next two questions.

5. Research Chinese artist Ai Weiwei's 'Han Dynasty Urn with Coca-Cola logo'(1994)
in order to say what features of the work are Post-Modern.

Ai Wei Wei is one of the most highly recognised and influential avant-garde artist. Ai Wei Wei is known for his installations and sculptures using historical pieces and found objects and sensual photographs. This piece has plenty of contemporary and postmodern relevance, especially given his recent media coverage, is Ai Weiwei’s Han Dynasty Urn with Coca-Cola Logo (1994). It was one of the few non-western pieces in the exhibition in which it was shown in. It is one of the simplest and yet most shocking pieces of art one could possibly see, an ancient urn with the iconic red Coca-Cola lettering branded on it. It symbolises, heritage, appropriation, globalisation, the shock that the brand is more recognisable than the object and the uneasy but increasingly important collision of eastern and western traditions. Ironically the urn was an incredibly valuable artefact and yet became more valuable after it became a piece of postmodern art. A country that is based on tradition and values opposed to western ways of living circum when it comes too money, represented by the coca-cola label. Thus showing just how despotic pop culture is over high culture. 

6. Research British artist Banksy's street art, and analyze the following two works by the artist
to discuss how each work can be defined at Post-Modern.(Use your list from question 3.)

Banksy is an England based artist who uses various different media from graffiti, film and paint. Like Ai Wei Wei Banksy is also a political activist. Banksy’s “Flower Riot” can be seen as postmodern in the aspect the artist is voicing his own opinion. In relation to society today we are seeing allot of widespread looting, rioting and arson in cities and towns in England due to a rise in prices of goods that lower class people can’t afford. Banksy has taken the seriousness away from the piece by placing a bunch of flowers in the hand of the man thus creating humour. There seem to be attributes of hyper-reality. This stencil image is a depiction of what we see on TV a man wearing a bandana, hat and baggy clothing therefore making the image more powerful.

In the second image we can see a Neanderthal holding a bone in his left hand and fast food in his right hand. It makes a statement about humans and the way we live. It questions whether not we have evolved and revolutionised as race for the common good. The bone in his left hand represents a sacrifice of hunting for food and the fast food a sacrifice of good health. Has much changed in the few hundred years? Using reference to Cyndee Mudilar (2011) “ he is also exploring pluralism and acceptance of apes in our society”. To expand, science has told humans that we originate from apes; religion has told us god created us. It is the idea that two different ideologies can co exist about existence. Again displaying humour and taking away from the seriousness a primitive holding a burger, chips and drink. In relation to intertextuality the image almost looks like an early prehistoric cave drawing, “art as a recycling of culture” (n.d)

References:
 Banksy (n.d). Retrieved July 31st, 2011. from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banksy
 Ai Wei Wei (n.d). Retrieved July 31st, 2011. from
http://www.artzinechina.com/display_vol_aid109_en.html
Amir, S. (2008, October 24). Writing is on the wall for banksy's west end mural; Art attack: a council order to remove this Banksy work near Oxford Circus has started a row over who owns the wall, The Evening Standard, (n.p)

Week 1- Nathalie Djurberg's 'Claymations'.

Nathalie Djurberg's 'Claymations'. 

1. What do you understand by the word 'claymation'?

Claymation, or Clay animation is a form of art making, which involves clay figures which move, walk, talk, dance or pretty much what ever you want it to do. This process can be done using stop motion photography, a series of still pictures taken with a camera, the frames are then run together to produce a moving object into a smooth motion.

2. What is meant by the term 'surrealistic Garden of Eden'? and 'all that is natural goes awry'?

Garden of Eden is a garden covered with odd looking plants and flowers. The scale of this creation over powers viewers and makes their presence known. Their colors and shape are exotic and yet sinister. As this garden never see's sun, the place remains dark and somewhat creepy. Looking at this piece of work it reminds me of a fairy tail or a dream-like land.  

3. What are the 'complexity of emotions' that Djurberg confronts us with?

This work overwhelms me with different feelings that contradict each other. Theres the feeling of being uncomfortable, scared and somewhat fearful however I can't get enough of it. This work makes me want to open my imagination, in a way, it reminds me of my adolescence, yet in a creepy and dark light. I watched a short video of it on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O3kg8caumE) and the very first thing it reminded me of was 'The Log-Flume' at Rainbows End. It gives of an aery feeling, as if theres something lurking behind the plants watching you. It makes me feel un easy, but yet I still can't help but get an overwhelming feeling of harmony and tranquility. It reminds me of a place that has not been disturbed by human, which is odd as it is clearly man-made. I don't know what it is but it send me shivers. The music composed by Hans Berg contributes to the uncomfortable atmosphere.

4. How does Djurberg play with the ideas of children's stories, and innocence in some of her work?

The first thing I noticed when I saw Djurberg work, was that it reminded me of a fairy tail and my childhood emanation. She is able to present something that the viewers can identify with and bring back childhood thoughts. Also how Djurberg is able to play with the ideas of children’s stories is the using of the image of little girls who are looking “innocent”. These girls, being attacked by a 'villain". Little Red Ridding hood is one example of this story line. 

5. There is a current fascination by some designers with turning the innocent and sweet into something disturbing. Why do you think this has come about?

The reasons artists are trying to create art that is turning innocent into something disturbing- is the feelings it brings to the viewer. It allows the viewer to think deep about how they really feel about this work. It challenges the viewer about their thoughts, do they enjoy it, or do they feel negative feelings toward the works. It opens so many doors of the mind, and as the viewer finds themselves with contradicting thoughts and feelings, their strait away drawn into the work, so the artist job is successful. 

6. In your opinion, why do you think Djurberg's work is so interesting that it was chosen for the Venice Biennale?
I think the reason her work was chosen, was that her work is so interesting due to it’s shocking and surprising contents. The Garden of Eden with meaty-looking flowers and films in which animated clay figures perform violent and sexual acts in a playful and absurd manner. The viewer is taken to a place of paradoxes almost like a joyful nightmare. It challenges the viewer to go deep into thought, and really question if this work is right or wrong. It brings a new diminution into the art world, as you can not compare much to Djurberg's work. 

7. Add some of your own personal comments on her work.

The Eden Garden is shocking and makes me feel scared and disgusted of the violence, but yet it’s interesting how Djurberg presents her work. This work overwhelms me with different feelings that contradict each other. Theres the feeling of being uncomfortable, scared and somewhat fearful however I can't get enough of it. It’s some sort of duality between fairy, innocence, vicious and fascination. 

Reference
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/6886/nathalie-djurberg-experiment-at-venice-art-biennale-09.html
http://we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2008/04/there-are-very-very-few.php 

Science and reason-Video art by Pipilotti Rist

1. Define the 17th century 'Scientific Revolution', and say how it changed European thought and world view. 

The 17th century scientific revolution opened up new ideas and knowledge in physics, astronomy, biology, medicine and chemistry. This new way of thought transformed medieval and ancient views of nature, and in turn laid the foundations for new modern science. According to most historians, the scientific revolution began in Europe near the end of the Renaissance era and continued until the late 18th century. Using physics, astronomy etc this made the people of this time view the world in more scientific way. Using reason and facts to explain the objects, ideas and world that they lived in. 

2. Give examples of how we can we still see evidence of the 'Scientific Revolution' in the world today.

Scientific Revolution lead to industrialization which lead to nearly everything 'modern' including transportation, computers, factories, even 'modern' art. Scientific Revolution also lead to study of 'modern' medicine. Atheism was caused by this revolution, as people were realizing how the world was really made and how plants and animals came into existence. 

Research Pipilotti Rist's video installations to answer the following;

3. From your research, do you think that the contemporary art world values art work

that uses new media/technology over traditional media?

I think that contemporary art has become very open, in the way that people can pretty much do anything odd or weird and name it 'art'. Looking at art work done before this new media we have today, it shows much more hard work and time put into the art itself. 

4. How has Pipilotti Rist used new media/technology to enhance the audience's experience of her work.

Visually its very 'in your face'. Hitting the viewer with two things going on at the same time, its almost over whelming. The size of the image is on a large scale, which impacts the viewers experience. She has used sound to enhance the viewers experience, adding a new sensory factor. 

5. Comment on how the installation, sound and scale of 'Ever is Over All' (1997) could impact on the audience's experience of the work.

Most works in galleries are on a small scale and very 2D. 'Ever is Over All' forces the viewer to take notice of the work. It would be hard to just walk past a piece of work like this. The sound adds another factor to the work. Its a way to connect more with the audience, as the viewer is enticed by the overwhelming experience. 

6. Comment on the notion of 'reason' within the content of the video. Is the woman's behaviour reasonable or unreasonable?

Watching this video, at first I got a sense that her actions were unreasonable, as what did the owners of those cars do to her? But as I see the law enforcement walk by and wave, it suddenly gave me a feeling that it was ok for her to do this. Clearly she doesn't like the fact that the world is being ruined by these objects of technology. And with the second set of images being shown, you get the sense that she's trying to help the world, as the beauty of nature is slowly being destroyed. 

7. Comment on your 'reading' (understanding) of the work by discussion the aesthetic (look), experience and the ideologies (ideas, theories) of the work.

My understanding of the work by viewing it, I can see some of the ideas she wishes to portray. I can see the idea of machines vs nature, which includes the Global warming issue. The rights of woman vs the strong image of men. Her smashing the cars is some what a symbol of woman fighting back. As the image of machine and cars is connected to men, and the image of flowers and nature is more connected to the feminine view.   

http://artintelligence.net/review/?p=443 

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

Ron Mueck's sculpture and Humanism

1. Mueck's sculpture is described as 'hyper-real'. Define the meaning of this term and explain how it is evident in his work.

"The simulation of something that never really existed" - Jean Baudrillard.

"The authentic fake" - Umberto Eco.

The term Hyper real is used to describe the over exaggeration of something. Increasing the size of something or blowing up an image on photoshop is an example and could be considered "hyper-real" as it is exaggerating the true size of an object or image. Hyper-real can only be used as a description of something that is man-made or something that is considered a living or real, like a human or animal. 

Mueck shows examples of this in most of his work, he does this by producing a human face titled "mask II" (2002), and also a baby titled "A Girl" (2006). Mueck doesn't just want to produce typical 'normal' sized art, instead he takes the term "hyper-real" into action by producing these pieces and exaggerating the original sizes and making them alot larger. As you can see in the photo of the piece shown below, he has created his own face, but made the size much larger than the real version. Doing so he is able to capture the viewers eye, as it would be hard to walk past a piece of work like this.   

Ron Mueck 'sleeping man'

2. Mueck says he is not interested in making life size sculpture. Find out why he is more interested in working with the scale of the figure which is not life size, and mention 2 works which use scale that is either larger or smaller than life.

There is an interview (2004) which I came across when researching the reasons for Ron Mueck not wanting to make life size sculptures.   

The interviewer talks to Mueck about his ideas and interests and then asked about how he got the idea of manipulating scale of figures , he then answers (2004)'I never made life sized figures because it never seemed to be interesting. We meet life sized people everyday.' Here we are able to make the conclusion that Mueck alters scale to raise the emotional and psychological impact. He also says " It makes you take notice in a way that you wouldn't do with something that is just normal." So in conclusion Mueck is saying, why follow the rule of scale if that if what humans see day to day. Making works a larger scale, Mueck is able to put a different view on things. People seem to find different views and opinions on how they view his work. Meuck is able to show in great detail things on the human body which would normally be over looked, but the size of his art almost forces the viewer into analyzing things which in most cases wouldn't be looked at twice. The share size of his work, makes me feel almost like I'm inspecting a form of life which is not real. However the work is so realistic the viewer finds themselves some what connected to the work, as it is almost impossible not to relate to the features. Seeing the wrinkles on the skin, the faint hair on the face gives me a feeling like this is us, we are humans and we are in some way connected. Looking into the eyes of the subject, I almost get a feeling of insight, a feeling that is hard to explain, but almost like your there in that captured moment with them. The way Ron Meuck's work can play with emotions is bound to be related to the scale in which he uses.

top: Ron Meuck 'two woman'
below: Ron Mueck 'pregnant woman'

In these two amazing sculptures of Muecks you are able to clearly see how he cleverly is able to still create such realistic people on a different scale. The pregnant women is obviously on a much larger scale as you can tell by the comparison of the lady standing next to her and the two older figures are on a smaller scale. But even by manipulating the scale the detail and skill never seem to change. 

3. Define Renaissance Humanism , and identify which aspects of Humanism can be seen in Mueck's work. Note that the contemporary definition of Humanism is much broader than the Renaissance definition.

A movement in the renaissance period was 'Renaissance Humanism' This was a very intellectual and social movement. Humanism is a rediscovery and re-evaluation of the aspects of classical civilization, and the reapplication of these aspects to intellectual and social culture. The earliest humanists espoused a return to study of the original texts. This then caused a move away from the Church as they no longer lived so closely following the regulations of the church but became more individuals rather then people who follow others beliefs. This created a huge change in the art of this time, as the art reflected the peoples move into Humanism. The was more noticeable detail towards human movement and body language which was expressed in the art. Personality was too taken into more consideration, artist paying more attention the the subject(s) facial expressions and emotions. This is related to Ron Mueck's work as you are clearly able to see that he also has taken into consideration, the interest of the human body and personality. Doing so has created sculptures which are so life-like and realistic, its almost scary. Mueck has clearly studied the human body and behavior, the movements, the creases of skin... the list goes on. Muecks extensive studies and research into the human body are shown through is work, as they are so well done it is hard to believe that somebody is able to make such amazing work. Mueck focuses of facial expressions, and looking at some of his works you can almost feel what that person was thinking/feeling in that exact moment in time. It really does feel like he has captured a moment in time, which no photograph or drawing could ever portray so beautifully.  

4. Research and discuss one of Mueck's sculptures that you might find challenging or exciting to experience in an art gallery. Describe the work, upload an image of the work, and explain your personal response to the work. 

While I was researching Mueck and his works, this work popped up instantly. 'The Women and Baby' for me it was challenging looking at the sculpture just in a photo, in real like I believe it would be an astonishing but almost disturbing piece to view. Don't get me wrong this piece of work is amazing in so many ways, but it has a some what 'ewwy' feel to it. The sculpture is a woman who has just given birth, with the baby laying on her stomach, still attached. The detail is completely astonishing, down to the shine of sweat and the dampened hair. The scared or frightened emotions of the woman's face are almost chilling to look at. I feel some what uncomfortable to look at this image for too long as I feel this is a more personal experience and should be shared between only the mother and child, though a little bit too personal for my liking, this sculpture is an absolutely beautiful piece of art in so many ways.

  
Ron Mueck 'the woman and baby'

http://www.class.uidaho.edu/pop/Glossary.htm

http://www.sculpture.org/documents/scmag03/jul_aug03/mueck/mueck.shtml

Mercantilism and Fiona Hall's work

Mercantilism and Fiona Hall's work

'Tender' (2003-05) Fiona Hall

1. First define mercantilism, using material from your ALVC handbook, and explain how it has developed since the Renaissance.

This was a system used during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. In order to afford the on going cost of religious and commercial wars plenty of revenue was needed. Reading the Columbia Encyclopedia, the European Government declared that the wealth of its country depended on the trading in the 16th, 17th and 18th century. So in this case Europe had to maximize its trading, which meant precious metals like gold, as in this point in time it was in very high demand. Manufacturing, processing and foreign trade were a higher priority over domestic trade. Now it had become the top world wide trading system.

2. Identify the ideas or concepts in Hall's work that relate to Mercantilism?  

Fiona Hall, does extremely well to show the issue of Mercantilism though her work. The materials used it her work do this, and Hall can cleverly use the material like money to show wealth that was being produced in European Countries, and the money they wish to get there hands on. Hall is able to used money to express her thoughts in her art, and doing so completely de values the money. Shredding the money and tearing it up, Hall is putting across her feelings, but of material controlling this time which was too so valuable.

3. For each work describe the shape, form and materials used, and also explain the ideas behind each example.

In her artwork series 'Leaf Litter' Fiona Hall uses about 200 notes of money, and of different currencies. The way Hall makes the work transparent lets the viewer to see the money which is underneath and to show the viewer the two objects are meant to be seen together and are linked. Leaf Litter shows how the idea about global issues and actions have changed the natural word.

The artwork ‘Tender’ is made from real money (american currency) which is actually illegal to destroy money in the USA. Every note has it own code on it, so Hall decided to take every code of the notes she used and present it around the work, like a frame.

4. In your opinion do the materials communicate the ideas of the work? Please explain your answer. 

In 'Leaf Litter' I can see that money can take over peoples minds or concerns about environment, and as plants are often the raw material for generating money, also the fact that money is made from paper which is from trees. So I can see how Fiona Hall’s sneaky and witty work captures this idea perfectly, and doing so it relates and communicates to the ideas and meanings behind the work.

5. Fiona Hall's recent project The Kermadecs focuses on issues around the Pacific ocean. Research this project to summarize the importance of the area and upload an image to your blog for discussion. 

Fiona Hall's most recent project named 'The Kermadecs' draws pan the issues surrounding the Pacific ocean and it values. In 2010 the National Geographic Society did a marine census, The Kermadecs was named one of the 'last pristine sites left in the ocean'. Hall, in this piece of work has used her skills to clearly demonstrate the sad and scary marine issue that had come to light around the pacific ocean. This artwork in particular 'shoot the breeze' 2011- expresses many ideas including the thought about loosing a living world in which we live in. In my own opinion I believe this piece of work is presented in a way where it is east to pick up on the ideas and views which Hall wishes to present to the public. It is a very smart piece of work and the environmental ideas can be seen throughout. 

Fiona Hall, Shoot the Breeze, 2009-2011 

http://www.thekermadecs.org/fiona-hall

http://www.roslynoxley9.com.au/artists/17/Fiona_Hall/profile/