Postmodern

A.) After reading this chapter in your own words, define Postmodern Art?movement

To me, Postmodernism is primarily a sub group of modernism, being that chronologically it followed that movement. It is not way replaces modernism because it holds many of the same ideas; the only difference is it is viewing these ideas in a completely different mind set. Postmodern art is a movement that was very influential is developing new styles, non-traditional views, and ways of appreciation in art. Take performance art for an example. Postmodern art does not replace modernism, it simply reintroduces the traditions and classical elements of style and takes the practice to the extreme. Postmodern art pushes the artist’s boundaries and pushes the use of the viewer. Not all art has to be made to be good art.

B.) Why is Feminism or Feminist Art considered Post Modern?

Feminist Art is placed under the Postmodern movement because historically women were not as prevalent in the art world because of institutional, educational, and economical factors that prevented the development of women artist. Because of the struggles that women have faced as a minority group, art work that is classified as Feminist is often controversial. This type of art exemplifies that postmodern theory of stepping out of the box changing some of those non-traditional views. Like the book said, “feminists endeavor to make the unnoticed, noticed.” The ideology and emotion that is often portrayed in feminist art is a feeling that was not widely portrayed in other historical movements. This change in value and idea further the concept that feminism belongs in this world and women will continue to fight for their rights.

C.) Pick one of the following artists: Cindy Sherman, Lorna Simpson or Paul McCarthy. Describe their artwork and then give reasons why it is Post Modern.

Lorna Simpson's work is somewhat controversial; it pushes the boundaries of a place that many artists are hesitant to portray, deep emotions are brought out in the strong contrast of her black and white photography. Some of her work is politically driven but it does not lack a since of elegance and intellect as she com combines the photography and text. Simpson’s work is categorized in the postmodern movement because she said herself she disagrees with the modern concept that photography is a “pure medium”. She is in favor of photography as more of a discipline without rigid categorical division. I like that her work is inspired by personal experience or from stories she has heard directly from other black women. Her work is concerned with more than just race and representation itself; it includes issues of power, identity, gender, class, and difference. This concept of not conforming to the norm and stepping beyond the traditional image is what sets Simpson apart.

D.) Find an artist on The Drawing Center’s Viewing Program Web site that relates to your drawing for this project. How does there art relate to your concept, subject and style?

I chose Pauletta M. Chanco for the artist who related to the style that I am working towards on this final project. I really enjoy the fluidity and depth of her monotypes and drawings. I am drawn to her color pallet and find that although I didn’t find her on the website until after I had started my project that the work that I am making, while does not identify with her concepts, looks somewhat similar. I am using abstract circles and layering the media to create texture and interest, as well as using a mixture of media and utensils like Chanco. Her work is primarily abstract paintings and prints but she has a series of drawings that are very interesting. Her work has given me quite a few ideas of ways that I can strengthen my final project.

Anne Pearce

I really enjoyed looking at Anne Pearce’s work and hearing the stories behind each piece. I somewhat underestimated the powerful presence of her work when looking at the slides. When she showed her work in class the next day, I was better able to see the fine detail and the textural differences in the glitter pen and the highlighter and the ink. I wish I could have seen one of her vellum “conversation” pieces in person. Those were probably one of my favorite series’ that I saw in the powerpoint. I think that I would like to work with vellum more in the future, using a style similar to what I have been doing in this current project. I will be quite honest, I was not able to pick up on the concept of some of her work but it was still very interesting to look at and her style was clearly portrayed. I also really liked the thought of doing collaborative pieces with another artist. It was interesting to see how the style of both artists was portrayed and how they were able to work together to great strong and very expressional pieces.

She was a very inspirational person to be around. Her advice has helped me to open up on our current project. I like how she talked about how sometimes you just need to sit down and draw and how sometimes she has no idea where that piece is going to go, she just starts with lines. She is a true example of doing what you love and making it work into your lifestyle. I love how honest she was and how she has adapted her work to fit into her house and the life that she wants to live. I have really enjoyed Drawing II this semester; I have learned so much about myself as an artist and about my craft. I have been able to think through a concept and then draw, as well as just freeing myself and letting the process take form. I have been able to relate drawing into the medium that I love most; ceramics.

Formalism

A.) To me, formalism is going back to the basics of the aesthetic process. It is focusing on using the elements and principles of design such as line, shape, color, etc. instead of focusing on the concept. The structural elements and the technique become superior to the context of the work.

B.) I would have to say that Piet Mondrian’s work most closely resembles the work that I consider to be the basis of formalism. It includes line, shape, color, space, rhythm, etc. It focuses on the process and the technique rather than on a definite concept. Mondrain’s work is simplistic and beautiful but yet rich and interesting. When I think of formalism, I think about the artist adhering to the basics and focusing on the principles. I don’t think that formalism has to be abstract all the time though; take Malevich’s human figures for example. But overall, I think some of the most successful formalistic works are mainly abstract pieces.

C.) I guess I kind of already went of that with Piet Mondrian’s work in the paragraph before but I will elaborate on that now. I like the way that Piet uses the use of line to create shape and form and to add rhythm/repetition. Many of his pieces contain a majority of the principles and elements of design without even have a recognizable subject. His body of work is definitely similar in style and as far as I know has a very minimal concept. The process itself becomes the concept. To me, the theory of art known as formalism is actually quite broad. For example, Malevich’s work is a lot more conceptual but still sticks to the basics by demonstrating the uses of line, shape, color, texture, and repetition. His pieces are usually more objective instead of abstract but they still portray a scene of aesthetic value and simplicity.

D.) I chose Cynthia Ona Innis s the artist whose work relates to what I am doing on this project right now. She uses mixed media like ink, paint, stains etc. On this project I am using ink, pastels, charcoal, and pen. Many of her works portray shapes in a range of colors like “healthy greens, hearty stained reds, earthy browns that suggest a physical and botanical reference amidst an environment also caught in flux.” A abstract natural feel is the concept that I am working on right now; I chose the word Place. Cynthia has a beautiful way of portraying texture in her work and rhythm which are two principles I am working on in this project.