To be honest, I have learned more this week about art than I think I have in my entire life. I mean, anyone can look at a picture and say it is a pretty drawing. But in this class, we learn how to not just look at art, but really see it, see what is beneath its surface, understand its true meaning. This week we learned about the difference between form and content. I always thought that they were the same thing. But sometimes artwork is not always seen by the artist and the audience in the same way.
For example, Judy Chicago's Pasadena Lifesavers to me looked like candy, almost like a picture you would see in a daycare. But I read Chapter Two, and to her, the picture is a symbol a feminism. I read the explanation and it made sense after that, but I never would have put that together on my own.
I think that learning the difference between representational and non-representational art has been the most meaningful for me so far. To me, this allows us to put art into two categories: things we would see in the real world and that which we normally wouldn't. I can process a pice of art better if I can label art as one of the two. And then abstrct art; well, thats its own category, isn't it. I will definately say that abstract artwork, though it is not my favorite, is by far the most interesting and thought provoking.
What I am liking the most so far is what I have always liked: the landscape artwork, Monet and Bierdstat. The abstract art is challenging to me...I guess I need to get used to using my right brain more
4 comments:
I really liked your comment on how anyone can call art pretty. I agree that we did learn some useful tools on how to determine the true meaning behind a picture. I really liked your insight about all that we've learned so far in this class. I too need to open up the right side of my brain because I do not understand abstract art!
I saw the same thing in Chicago's work - picture in a daycare. But I agree with you about how labeling art makes it easier to process. I'm sure that's not the point, but that's how my mind works.
I also did not really understand too much about art before this class. It's amazing how much analyzing there is. If I didn't read the book I wouldn’t have known Chicago's work is about feminism. It's really interesting how wrong a person can be about the art they are attempting to interpret.
How great to hear such powerful reflections! I'm thrilled to see so much progress in your learning in just two weeks. Keep your mind open and I think you'll be very pleased with the next few weeks. There's so much to learn in this class and it's all so relevant. Our world is visual so don't forget to apply your new knowledge to your daily activities and it will all take on deeper meaning!
Michelle
Post a Comment