Self-Portrait

I visited the Albright-Knox and Burchfield again and found it hard to find self-portraits.  Of course, the Albright-Knox has Frida Kahlo's self-portrait (see below) and I did find a self-portrait by Lars Gustaf Sellstedt at the Burchfield.  Although I did not see any others on these trips to the museums, I remembered seeing a self-portrait at the Albright in the past by Chuck Close, which I was able to find online.  The one by Chuck Close is probably my favorite because of the overall composition that gives a mosaic effect.  However, I really felt a connection with the Frida Kahlo self-portrait since we spoke about it in class.

Creating my own self-portrait was a lot harder than I thought it would be.  I ended up doing four different ones using different media.  My final project is a mixture of oil pastel and marker because I thought it was the most successful compared to my attempts with pencil and watercolor.  It was challenging to draw myself because I do not think it resembles me very much, but overall I tried to make it lighthearted and fun because I don't ever want to take myself too seriously.  However, I do think that the piece represents me since I created it and was able to focus on what makes me unique.  The main elements and principles I employed were color, unity, and texture.  I did enjoy the project and am pretty happy with my final artwork, especially since it was my first attempt at a self-portrait!  Here is an original picture of myself and my finished self portrait:

 

Art Criticism

For my art criticism article, I chose to review Kelly O’Keefe’s exhibit, “Cool Blues.”  I selected this particular exhibit out of all the others because I thought it was very well done and that it was a unique idea that I was interested in.  In writing the critique, I faced the challenge of how to be critical enough, especially since I thought the exhibit was so well put together.  However, I did come up with some constructive criticism in the end to improve upon the exhibit by imagining myself actually experiencing the exhibit.  I liked critiquing my peers’ work because I do not always get to see what everyone else is doing for their projects and it was fun to see what directions everyone took with the projects.  I would definitely be interested in hearing what people had to say about my personal art Curation project.  I would rate my finished article a 10 because I had a lot of interest in the exhibit I was critiquing, yet I tried to remain unbiased in order to give an objective review.  This project was probably my favorite project of the semester, I really enjoyed it!

Reflection

My expectations for this course were that I would learn about art history and techniques and also reconnect with my artistic side.  I would say that I learned more about art history than actual techniques and styles, but I definitely never thought I would know this much about elements and principles!  I do think I got back in touch with my creative side this semester, and I am very thankful that I made time for it!

This course reinforced my previous definition of art as "any visual expression."  There are so many different types of art, cultures, and people, that almost anything can be seen as art.

In the beginning of the semester, my favorite artist was my friend Mandie, who does amazing work in ceramics.  However, my favorite visual artist is definitely now Charles Burchfield - I have been to the Burchfield Penney Art Museum many times, and each time I learn something new about him that makes me appreciate him even more.  I especially can relate to his feelings about nature.

After this course, I have to admit that taking an online class is a lot more work than I thought it would be.  I originally thought I would be able to do it on my own time, but it is really hard for me to make time to do it - I probably would have done better just going to school for a class.  Nevertheless, I am glad I experienced it and now I know more about myself and my preferences!

Week 16 Videos

Greenberg on Art Criticism 
In this video, Greenburg relates art criticism to music criticism, pointing out that music is easier to critique due to the way musicians emote their music and that a score is used.  On the other hand, art is harder to be subjective about when it comes to criticism.  I will definitely keep these perspectives in mind for my project.
 
Greenberg on Pollock 
This video focused on the artwork of Jackson Pollock.  Interestingly, Pollock rejected the easel, yet used it throughout his career.  The video also explained the techniques utilized by Pollock, which oftentimes result in an artwork that isn't easy on the eyes.  This video related to art criticism in that it gave a whole picture on the artist, yet critiqued specific elements of his works.


The Critics: The Story from the Inside Page 
This video took an interesting angle of art criticism by comparing critics to reporters.  For example, music reporters might report on how the audience reacts to a concert, just as an art critic takes in the big picture beyond the artwork, including how the artwork affects the viewer.  It will be important for me to incorporate these ideas into my self-portrait project.

An Introduction to the Italian Renaissance
This video was different from any we have viewed throughout the semester because it involved a skit.  The main message of the film was that all art inspires more art.  This relates to the project in that it reminds us to look to other artists for inspiration, motivation, and ideas.

The Colonial Encounter: Views of Non-Western Art and Culture
This video touches on sexual exploitation of indigenous women and other topics of views of non-western art and culture.  As an anthropologist, I appreciated the tools segment that shared the view that tools can be considered an art form just as much as a traditional paintings and pottery.

Jackson Pollock 
This video introduced concepts of art criticism by discussing Pollock, considered a master, yet also used to describe a low point in modern art.  The film included a detailed discussion of the work "Lavender Mist," a controversial abstract painting.  This video inspired me to consider doing something more abstract for my self-portrait.

My Exhibit: Back to Nature

Like many of my peers, I am intersted in art in nature.  For my exhibit I took the angle of how art can reconnect us with nature and entitled it "Back to Nature."  My undergaduate research has focused on the growing disconnection between humans and nature and I did a first-hand study in Australia of how aboriginal peoples live more closely with the natural world and how we can incorporate this back into modern society.

I found it very exciting to be working through art to convey this message through which I formerly have only been able to reference other studies, journal articles, books, etc.  I tried to use very interactive pieces and also have a variety of media, from sculpture to large installations to paintings to videos.  I also tried to include a range of ideas that are related to the theme of reconnecting humans with nature through art.

It was not very hard for me to find 25 works that related to my theme.  The hardest part for me was arranging them in a way that would benefit and make sense to the viewer, but I am very happy with the final product!  I actually am now wishing this was a real exhibit I could go visit!