Soulmaking, Appropriation, and Improvisation

Soulmaking

• Definition and Purpose

  • Art captures, records, and communicates events and traditions.

  • Functions as a reflection of history for future generations.

  • Artist as author but authorship is contested in the 20th century due to viewer interpretations.

• Making Meaning

  • Context and symbolism are essential for understanding art.

  • Audience awareness is crucial for full appreciation.

• Phases of Soulmaking

  • Seeking: Finding tools and practices to express creativity.

  • Setting: Communicating deeply with the soul and the world.

  • Surrender: Accepting wounds and living in darkness for true expression.

  • Soulmaking: Transitioning from reflective practice to active creation.

  • Soaring: Achieving a sense of freedom through the creative journey.

• Categories

  • Crafting Images: Using various mediums to create visual representations.

  • Crafting Stories: Personal narratives through words, music, and images.

  • Crafting Instruments: Instruments as bridges to deeper experience.

  • Crafting Movements: Recognizing life and movement as sources of inspiration.

  • Crafting Techniques: Reflecting an artist's life through distinct methodologies.

Improvisation

• Definition: Spontaneous creation without prior planning.

• Context: Reaction against rigidity in 20th-century art.

• Impact: Adds individuality and dynamic quality to artwork.

• Historical Examples: Emergence in 1960s NYC art scene, blending performance art with visual arts. George Mathieu's "action painting" exemplifies process over product.

Appropriation

• Definition: Borrowing or reusing existing elements in new works.

• Historical Context: Questions of ownership and authorship arose in the 20th century.

• Cultural Practice: Artists historically copied master's works to learn.

• Challenges: Issues of voice and perspective loss in appropriation.

• Classifications of Forgery: Include outright copies and pastiches.

• Andy Warhol Example: "Campbell's Soup Cans" as commentary on product recognition and cultural identity.

• Post-Modern Views: Artists like Barbara Kruger challenge the idea of originality and encourage viewers to renegotiate meanings.

Contemporary Arts

• Definition: Art by living artists reflecting present issues and cultural dialogues.

• Key Characteristics:

  • Lack of uniform organizing principles or ideologies.

  • Art as a reflection of societal and personal identity, often without clear answers.

Comparison: Modern vs. Contemporary Art

• Focus of Expression: Modern Art emphasizes personality; Contemporary Art focuses on societal influence.

• Materials Used: Modern Art predominantly on canvas; Contemporary Art includes diverse media and technologies.

• Interaction with Audiences: Contemporary art encourages dialogue and personal connection.

Notable Art Movements**

• Abstract Expressionism: Emotional expression over objective reality.

• Optical Art: Optical illusions using manipulation of shapes and colors.

• Kinetic Art: Movement integral to sculptures and artworks.

• Pop Art: Reflection of popular culture and media.

• Postmodernism: Reaction against modernism, characterized by mixing styles and eclecticism.

• Conceptualism: Ideas prioritized over visual components.

• Neo-Pop: Commentary on Pop Art by integrating socio-political elements.

Southeast Asian Art Overview**

• Influences from Theravada Buddhism and Hinduism prevalent across various nations.

• Laotian Art: Rich in Buddhist sculptures; ceramics highlight cultural significance.

• Thai Art: Predominantly Buddhist; traditional techniques emphasize two-dimensionality.

• Cambodian Art: Heavy influence from India; revival of traditional arts post-Khmer Rouge era.

• Indonesian Art: Influenced by Hindu-Buddhist traditions; diversified in sculptural and architectural practices.

• Vietnamese Art: Rich traditions in pottery and modern elements integrating Western styles.

Philippine Art**

• Diverse forms evolving from pre-colonial to contemporary practices.

• Pottery: Social significance reflected in artifacts like the Manunggul Jar.

• Woodcarving and Weaving: Cultural heritage expressed through the Okir motif.

• Historical Artists: Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo prominent figures in Philippine art history, known for their landscape and social commentary respectively.