# Art History/Reflections/Sona

August 27 2007,
I was unable to find the Diego Rivera Museum on the web so I reverted to the Rembrandt House, for my curatorial project, instead. Essentially, I currently seek an appropriate painting to advertise in my flyer, however, I discovered Rembrandt's reliance on biblical scenes for his artwork and shall draw a conclusion from this and more information of his background.
August 28, 2007
I finally found an appropriate painting for one of the museum's collections.
-the painting is called The Abduction of Europa (by Rembrandt, naturally) and it suits the museum's newly acquired collection of the 17th century Dutch paintings (during the Dutch Golden Age)
-the painting is currently on display in the Getty Center in Los Angeles
-I have commenced to create my poster, yet I do not believe that I can possibly finish by the end of the day, due to the time lost while starting over again twice
September 7, 2007
I presented my project on Wednesday and completed my self-evaluation (a rather difficult task) and started on the Richard Serra review, by reading his biography on pbs.org and the MOMA website. I'm attempting to collect more background information to the artist in order to gain a clearer perspective for myseslf and a more informative review.
September 12, 2007
In class we watched Richard Serra's sideo explaining his work and I found it highly intriguing. The video provided the viewer's perception while experiencing the work which drastically altered my opinion of the value of his work.
-He utilized intense mathematics to manipulate the viewer senses and create experiences unfamiliar to us in the our world of "right angles."
September 17, 2007
After finishing the Richard Serra review, we read two "reviews" which were distinctly different. One review posed as more of a bbiography of the work as the writer knew Serra personallyt, howerver, the other reviewer truly reviewd the work and explored the sacrifices Serra makes to the original intentions of the work in order to acquire publicity for his work (a valid point in my humble opinion
PODCAST REFLECTIONS
1. The first podcast I listened to featured and interview of the jazz pianist, composer, and teacher Orville Hammond. Intriguingly, Orville was born in Jamaica and later moved into Lexington, Kentucky to continue his work. Most of his work remains highly improvised, indicating that he plays original pieces yet tweaks the piece slightly every time he plays the work. Though, he has experienced, performed, and played among various different cultures, he states that the response to jazz throughout the world seems to be identical. The idea that the select jazz groups among the world view, respond (the same), and remain as highly educated geniunely appeals to me. The manner by which he speaks of his audiences and students indicates that jazz is understood throughout the world, despite any cultural, racial, and language barriers it may encounter. I view that as the true purpose and nature of what we name art.
2. The second podcast I listened to consisted of an interview of the independent film maker and porfoessor of fil maker, Aaron Greer. Growing up in Milwaukee, he was exposed to a myriad of independent films in a theater residing across from his street. Intriguingly, he stated that he "did not find inspiration in Disney movies" like most children, but short and seriuos independent films which seemed to adress and expose a problem, particular stiuation, or character. Instead of presenting a plot-filled scenario which we in American culture seem accustomed to, he wishes to utilize films to confront or display something of true purpose (bringing us to the art of film-making). Additionally, he deems it necessary for independent films to adress problems, sceanrios, and professions which generaaly fail to be acknowledged in the mainstream Hollywood (ish) movies, as importance must be placed upon them to maintain the public's self-esteem and inform those who remain unaware of these seemingly peculiar conditions.
September 24, 2007
Today we had the opporunity to meet Mr.Anderson and discuss his gallery, Thresholds, among him. Though I had previously appreciated Mr. Anderson's work, his insight on the background of the depicted scenes and his attempt to capture the expressions and emotions of the people about the situation geniunely touched me. I now comprehend his attempt to remind society of bitter times both previous and current, in a world where it seems easy to forget these issues, misread circumstances,and, perhaps, repeat these identical mistakes. His works, altough highly emotional, almost report events and times, though, amazingly, with a single picture. His inspiration from religion and deeply embedded humanitarianism affects the effectiveness of his works in a deeply positive manner. Although his picture of Ghetto Baby, March in Selma, Untitled, and numerous others thouroughly struck me, his picture of the social worker staring out of the window has hovered in my mind for the past few hours. The picture deems itself immensely symbolic as the altriustic social worker, though depicted in a rather shabby, and somewhat bleak apartment, gazes through the bright sun-filled window with a serene smile upon her face. Naturally, the symbolism lies in her outlook on life, and perhaps, the world itself, for though she lives in bleak and dark conditions, she possesses the capacity to look into the light(good) with a wonderful smile (the manner in which the light hits her face adds greatly to the effect). a virtue I rather wish for myself.....
October 11, 2007
We remain at the infant stages of creating our final art museum. Ouite frankly, I feel rather confident about progressing to this level gradually with the substantial amount of time given to develop and complete this project. Initially, me and Anna obtained five images of what we believed symbolism in art embodied. However, upon further discussion, we realized that we had selected trite, immensely common, and superficial images of what we, in America, viewed as symbolism. It was apalling. The following night we resolved to research and attempt to comprehend highly influential symbols of a variety of cultures and time periods. As a result, we both discovered intriguing pieces of art with innately significant figures contained inside of it (ancient Chinese, Christian, Egyptian, and Mayan art). Being raised in a bi-cultural family and always having been a history fan, I previously possesed knowledge of the symbolism of art in a multitude of other cultures, yet this project surprised me by teaching me a great deal more. By contraisting the art of different cultures together, instead of scrutinizing each separately, I gained knowledge of each individual culture and the emphasis or virtues prized or assesed by each respective society. For instance, one may derive that the Tang Dynasty Chinese society (sort of peak period for China) held virtues (courage, kindness, intelligence, honor,etc.) in the highest esteem, simply by evaluating the art of the period, with Christianity, holiness, with the Egyptians, power and wealth,and the Mayans, mathematics (calendrical studies, especially) and philosophical observation, etc. Essentially, the project seemed to be a rewarding and mind-opening experience.
October 19, 2007
On Thursday, me and Anna felt that we should chose a more specific theme for our museeum, Race, Class, and Gender. Though I mannaged to discover a few intriguing images relevant to our theme on ArtStor, I felt that it lacked greatly in material, especially in the subject of Class. Throughout this project, me and Anna shall attempt to delve into a variety of cultures and display the descrepancies and simiarities between the general view of Race, Class, and Gender within these cuktures. My foremost concern, however, lies with the grouping and organizing of the collections of images (by medium, culture, time period, occurences, or similarities).