Although a difficult read, i do agree with most of the concepts Griselda Pollock conveys in "Painting, Feminism, History" but there were some exceptions which i felt were rather exaggerated. For example her views on Jackson Pollock's works, saying "Do Pollock’s slashing and throwing of paint, his gyrations around a supine canvas, enact a macho assault upon an imaginary, feminine body?”. To question whether Jackson Pollock was imagining himself assaulting a female body whilst painting, in my opinion, is just a ridiculous assumption. I am aware that Pollock's paintings are open to interpretation but in no way can i find anything to suggest anti-female intent. I also don't believe that just because a male does something, doesn't necessarily mean that is a manly act, although that seems to be prominent idea of Griselda's.
I believe that feminism today is different to that of feminism 30 or 40 years ago. Today it is more like humanism as the inequalities between male and female are far less troubling than that of people in third world countries compared to first world. When looking at specific areas in isolation, for example a middle class male and female in Australia or America, Feminism is much less relevant today than in the past, with women having equal rights and much more dominance in the workplace.
Feminism in art is extremely effective in conveying and broadcasting female opinions due to its highly political and controversial nature. Feminist art such as that of the Guerrilla Girls can be seen as the start of a large scale change in traditional ideas and the continuity of such works will only increase the dominance of women in the art world in years to come.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Abstract Expressionism
I must admit I could not and still do not understand Clement Greenburg's 'Modernist Painting', although not through lack of trying. His writing is far above the level of a student freshly out of yr 12 bottom English, such as myself, but i will try to reveal the small amount took from it.
The Abstract expressionist movement came at a time when the American economy was flourishing due to the end of WWII and secured New York City as center of Western art. According to Greenburg, artists of this time were steering away from the three dimensional form as to try and achieve "purity" through two-dimensionality as that is a characteristic that painting shares with no other art form. Greenburg says "One is made aware of the flatness of their pictures before, instead of after, being made aware of what the flatness contains. Whereas one tends to see what is in an Old Master before seeing it as a picture...". To me this is the definition of modernist abstract expressionism, or at least the difference between the latter and previous movements.
Through Jackson Pollock, Robert Hughes' "An Empire of Signs" regards abstract expressionism as an art form which lets the artist paint within their primal instincts in a very primitive way. Pollock says he wishes to "be nature, not just paint it" and though some may see nothing more than random brush strokes, to many it is undeniable that the sense of nature comes through in his work. Clement Greenburg even described him as the "best living American artist". Jackson Pollock was very influential to aspiring expressionists as he unlocked a whole new world with his fresh ideas of surface and touch.
The Abstract expressionist movement came at a time when the American economy was flourishing due to the end of WWII and secured New York City as center of Western art. According to Greenburg, artists of this time were steering away from the three dimensional form as to try and achieve "purity" through two-dimensionality as that is a characteristic that painting shares with no other art form. Greenburg says "One is made aware of the flatness of their pictures before, instead of after, being made aware of what the flatness contains. Whereas one tends to see what is in an Old Master before seeing it as a picture...". To me this is the definition of modernist abstract expressionism, or at least the difference between the latter and previous movements.
Through Jackson Pollock, Robert Hughes' "An Empire of Signs" regards abstract expressionism as an art form which lets the artist paint within their primal instincts in a very primitive way. Pollock says he wishes to "be nature, not just paint it" and though some may see nothing more than random brush strokes, to many it is undeniable that the sense of nature comes through in his work. Clement Greenburg even described him as the "best living American artist". Jackson Pollock was very influential to aspiring expressionists as he unlocked a whole new world with his fresh ideas of surface and touch.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
National Portrait Gallery
Favourites
I found it very hard to choose just one portrait that I believed should have been a winner therefore Plenty and Gori, Bougrainville have tied in first place although I could have probably had another three or more potential winners.
Plenty
Anton Perry
This portrait stood out to me mainly because of the subjects unmistakeable 'West Side Story' like position. Even though the man is not centered, i believe the subject matter in the background evenly weighs out the image. The dancers head protruding the blown out skyline is effective in drawing the eye directly towards his slightly koi facial expression. To me his face, although not smiling, conveys a sense of larrikinism.
Gori, Bougainville
Stuart Miller
The intensitive of this mans gaze is unreal and extremely intimidating. His pose and state of undress gives and undeniable sense of power and strength which is aided also by the slightly lower than usual angle of the shot. The flash that has obviously been used defines the mans fisique and also brings him out of the gloomy background. The fact that is is raining simply adds to the dramatism of the image.
Least Favourite
Paul Capsis as his Grandmother Angela
Micheal Corridore
It was easy to be not entirely impressed by some of the images but quite hard to pick one that did not deserve to be there. At first glance from a distance i had nothing against this image. It was not untill I got up close that I could see a resembalance to one of my favourite movie stars, Al Pacino. Now when I look at the portrait all i get from it is that it's unintentionally taking the piss out of Scarface, and no one takes the piss out of Scarface.
I found it very hard to choose just one portrait that I believed should have been a winner therefore Plenty and Gori, Bougrainville have tied in first place although I could have probably had another three or more potential winners.
Plenty
Anton Perry
This portrait stood out to me mainly because of the subjects unmistakeable 'West Side Story' like position. Even though the man is not centered, i believe the subject matter in the background evenly weighs out the image. The dancers head protruding the blown out skyline is effective in drawing the eye directly towards his slightly koi facial expression. To me his face, although not smiling, conveys a sense of larrikinism.
Gori, Bougainville
Stuart Miller
The intensitive of this mans gaze is unreal and extremely intimidating. His pose and state of undress gives and undeniable sense of power and strength which is aided also by the slightly lower than usual angle of the shot. The flash that has obviously been used defines the mans fisique and also brings him out of the gloomy background. The fact that is is raining simply adds to the dramatism of the image.
Least Favourite
Paul Capsis as his Grandmother Angela
Micheal Corridore
It was easy to be not entirely impressed by some of the images but quite hard to pick one that did not deserve to be there. At first glance from a distance i had nothing against this image. It was not untill I got up close that I could see a resembalance to one of my favourite movie stars, Al Pacino. Now when I look at the portrait all i get from it is that it's unintentionally taking the piss out of Scarface, and no one takes the piss out of Scarface.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
National Gallery of Australia - April visit
Most enjoyed
Chuck Close
Bob 1970
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
275.0 (h) x 213.5 (w) cm
inscribed verso l.r., crayon, ' "Bob" 1970 Close'
Purchased 1975
NGA 1975.151
The first two times i entered the NGA i thought 'Bob' was just a large photograph. I liked it but kept walking and never gave it much thought. This time when i realised it was a painting i was dumbfounded. The fact that it is so perfect that it is near impossible to make out a brush stroke untill you are are around 20cm away from the canvas awe inspiring. Close even said about 'Bob', "I had taken a break and was walking back into the studio. Looking at the painting, I realised that a highlight in one of the eyes was too bright. And I said, 'Damn it, now I'm going to have to take his glasses off'. But when I realised what I had said, I pivoted on my heel and walked out leaving the lights on, the compressor on and the airbrushes full of paint. When you start believing in your own illusion, you're in serious trouble"
Not only is the artists technical skill captivating, the gaze of the subject is draws the viewer in as he seems strangely alert or perhaps supprised. It is not the traditional mug shot or "smile!" style.
Least enjoyed
Jo Baer
Untitled (vertical flanking diptych - red) 1966-74
oil on canvas
canvas (each) 244.0 (h) x 172.7 (w) cm
overall 244.0 (h) x 376.0 (w) cm
not signed, not dated
Purchased 1973
I disliked this work purely because it bored me. I am aware that it is a famous Minimalist painting and was most likely controversial when first displayed. I also aware that it baer was trying to convey how works like Untitled (vertical flanking diptych - red) can be just as meaningful as paintings of three dimentional objects. This being said, when i walk into the NGA and am overwhelmed by visual stimulus in every direction, i cant help but be irritated by two blank pannels which just make me think 'oh, another artist trying to push the boundries of conventional art'.
Bibliography
http://nga.gov.au/
Chuck Close
Bob 1970
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
275.0 (h) x 213.5 (w) cm
inscribed verso l.r., crayon, ' "Bob" 1970 Close'
Purchased 1975
NGA 1975.151
The first two times i entered the NGA i thought 'Bob' was just a large photograph. I liked it but kept walking and never gave it much thought. This time when i realised it was a painting i was dumbfounded. The fact that it is so perfect that it is near impossible to make out a brush stroke untill you are are around 20cm away from the canvas awe inspiring. Close even said about 'Bob', "I had taken a break and was walking back into the studio. Looking at the painting, I realised that a highlight in one of the eyes was too bright. And I said, 'Damn it, now I'm going to have to take his glasses off'. But when I realised what I had said, I pivoted on my heel and walked out leaving the lights on, the compressor on and the airbrushes full of paint. When you start believing in your own illusion, you're in serious trouble"
Not only is the artists technical skill captivating, the gaze of the subject is draws the viewer in as he seems strangely alert or perhaps supprised. It is not the traditional mug shot or "smile!" style.
Least enjoyed
Jo Baer
Untitled (vertical flanking diptych - red) 1966-74
oil on canvas
canvas (each) 244.0 (h) x 172.7 (w) cm
overall 244.0 (h) x 376.0 (w) cm
not signed, not dated
Purchased 1973
I disliked this work purely because it bored me. I am aware that it is a famous Minimalist painting and was most likely controversial when first displayed. I also aware that it baer was trying to convey how works like Untitled (vertical flanking diptych - red) can be just as meaningful as paintings of three dimentional objects. This being said, when i walk into the NGA and am overwhelmed by visual stimulus in every direction, i cant help but be irritated by two blank pannels which just make me think 'oh, another artist trying to push the boundries of conventional art'.
Bibliography
http://nga.gov.au/
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Technology Change
Film to Digital
The change from film to digital photography in war is very significant as it so much more versatile and allows more options for the photographer. Issues such as storage have been dramatically improved as digital SD cards are smaller, lighter and have a far greater capacity than film reels. As technology continues to improve, digital cameras are getting faster and easier to use which can be useful for photographers in dangerous situations. Photographers can quickly make adjustments to camera settings to effectively capture the unpredictable nature of a war zone. Also, being in digital format, images are able to be sent instantly all around the world to portray to the general public a side of war they would never usually see shortly after it happens. As well as these advantages, photographers can indulge in such features as reviewing/deleting photos instantly which are some of the advantages that make digital popular for the general public also.
Spy camera use
There has been a large improvement in ‘spy’ photography for the purpose of discovering enemy hideouts, hidden weapons, enemy movement etc. Originally it would be extremely dangerous to receive enemy information as photographers would have to infiltrate enemy territory or fly close enough to obtain useful pictures. These kinds of methods were easily flawed due to the close proximity of the spy/plane. In recent times Issues such as reduced camera size have made it easy to take pictures discretely without being noticed. See photos below.
http://www.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/354_0.jpg
http://www.electromannsa.co.za/shop/files/Chinavasion-CVSD-629-2-sss.jpg
Increased lense length and quality is also an advancement in technology useful for spying on enemy lines with decreased danger of being caught. Although these techniques may effective, the use of unmanned spy planes are the most advanced and safe form of undetected information collection. These planes are controlled from the ground as to not endanger lives in the event of detection. Attached to the bottom of the plane is a powerful zoom camera able of capturing and transmitting images instantly back to the controller. They are also infrared capable for further stealth in night conditions.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question545.htm
The change from film to digital photography in war is very significant as it so much more versatile and allows more options for the photographer. Issues such as storage have been dramatically improved as digital SD cards are smaller, lighter and have a far greater capacity than film reels. As technology continues to improve, digital cameras are getting faster and easier to use which can be useful for photographers in dangerous situations. Photographers can quickly make adjustments to camera settings to effectively capture the unpredictable nature of a war zone. Also, being in digital format, images are able to be sent instantly all around the world to portray to the general public a side of war they would never usually see shortly after it happens. As well as these advantages, photographers can indulge in such features as reviewing/deleting photos instantly which are some of the advantages that make digital popular for the general public also.
Spy camera use
There has been a large improvement in ‘spy’ photography for the purpose of discovering enemy hideouts, hidden weapons, enemy movement etc. Originally it would be extremely dangerous to receive enemy information as photographers would have to infiltrate enemy territory or fly close enough to obtain useful pictures. These kinds of methods were easily flawed due to the close proximity of the spy/plane. In recent times Issues such as reduced camera size have made it easy to take pictures discretely without being noticed. See photos below.
http://www.freshnessmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/354_0.jpg
http://www.electromannsa.co.za/shop/files/Chinavasion-CVSD-629-2-sss.jpg
Increased lense length and quality is also an advancement in technology useful for spying on enemy lines with decreased danger of being caught. Although these techniques may effective, the use of unmanned spy planes are the most advanced and safe form of undetected information collection. These planes are controlled from the ground as to not endanger lives in the event of detection. Attached to the bottom of the plane is a powerful zoom camera able of capturing and transmitting images instantly back to the controller. They are also infrared capable for further stealth in night conditions.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question545.htm
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
'Masterpieces from Paris explores the dramatic changes in late 19th century European art through some of the best-known and much-reproduced paintings...
Post-Impressionism announces a break from Impressionism, the revolutionary movement which occurred in France in the second half of the 19th century. By the mid 1880s, artists were experimenting with even more radical ideas...
Masterpieces from Paris reveals cross-influences between artists, and shows the flowering of the modern movements throughout Europe. These fascinating paintings forecast the development of Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism and led also to Abstraction in the 20th century...'
viewed 2/03/10 http://nga.gov.au/exhibition/masterpiecesfromparis/
The artwork that appealed to me most from this exhibition was one called "War". I cant remember the artists name nor can i find where i wrote it down but in my defence the day i visited the gallery was also the day of my 18th birthday therefore i had a few other things on my mind. Some of the finer details may be a little hazy but i remember this painting consisted of a woman on horseback sporting a sword and a dismembered head. She was jumping over a pile of violently bloodied wreckage of bodies. I believe in its time, this painting would have been seen as extremely confronting to audiences for obvious reasons such as the gore factor but also the dark and almost haunting aura it gives off. My perception of the work is that the painting is not meerly capturing a snapshot of a particular battle scene but rather the girl, in a victorious postion, is symbolic of the idea of war itself triumphing over all people. Hopefully i will soon find the name of the artist so i can read more into what he/she was really trying to achieve with this interesting piece.
One work i was excited to see was Van Gogh's Starry Night purely because it was on a poster that i looked at for six years in my high school art room. To see it was almost like seeing a celebriy in person! ...almost
http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200912/r480020_2439121.jpg
^blogger doesn't want to let me upload the picture of it but theres the link
Post-Impressionism announces a break from Impressionism, the revolutionary movement which occurred in France in the second half of the 19th century. By the mid 1880s, artists were experimenting with even more radical ideas...
Masterpieces from Paris reveals cross-influences between artists, and shows the flowering of the modern movements throughout Europe. These fascinating paintings forecast the development of Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism and led also to Abstraction in the 20th century...'
viewed 2/03/10 http://nga.gov.au/exhibition/masterpiecesfromparis/
The artwork that appealed to me most from this exhibition was one called "War". I cant remember the artists name nor can i find where i wrote it down but in my defence the day i visited the gallery was also the day of my 18th birthday therefore i had a few other things on my mind. Some of the finer details may be a little hazy but i remember this painting consisted of a woman on horseback sporting a sword and a dismembered head. She was jumping over a pile of violently bloodied wreckage of bodies. I believe in its time, this painting would have been seen as extremely confronting to audiences for obvious reasons such as the gore factor but also the dark and almost haunting aura it gives off. My perception of the work is that the painting is not meerly capturing a snapshot of a particular battle scene but rather the girl, in a victorious postion, is symbolic of the idea of war itself triumphing over all people. Hopefully i will soon find the name of the artist so i can read more into what he/she was really trying to achieve with this interesting piece.
One work i was excited to see was Van Gogh's Starry Night purely because it was on a poster that i looked at for six years in my high school art room. To see it was almost like seeing a celebriy in person! ...almost
http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200912/r480020_2439121.jpg
^blogger doesn't want to let me upload the picture of it but theres the link
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
