M5P3 - Modernism III
Modern Art Overview
Dominance of Modern Theory: Shifts from defined styles to artists seeking originality (Avant-Garde).
Evolution of Movements: Modern art emphasizes constant change, allowing many interpretations and styles.
Constantin Brancusi's "Bird in Space" (1928)
Sculpture Significance: Represents the essence of flight rather than physical reality.
Legal Debate: Classified as a kitchen utensil due to its non-literal representation, igniting a court case to define art.
Henry Moore's Exploration
Closed vs. Open Forms: Investigates representation versus abstraction, creating sculptures that invite viewer interaction.
Art as Hope: In postwar Britain, Moore views art as a vehicle for inspiration and meaning.
Alexander Calder's Kinetic Sculptures
Mobiles: Innovates with moving art forms that reflect constant change and interaction with their environment.
Architectural Innovations in Modernism
Shell Construction
Definition: Material used for both the structure and skin, representing a visual authenticity.
Skeleton and Skin Construction
19th Century Advances: Balloon frame and steel frame methodologies revolutionize building design, exemplified by the Reliance Building.
Eiffel Tower
Historical Context: Built for the 1889 World's Fair; stood as the tallest man-made structure for 41 years.
Construction Feats: Completed in just over two years, showcasing engineering prowess.
Mies Van der Rohe's Friedrichstrasse Office Building
Design Philosophy: Emphasized modern reduction and form; proposed a glass-and-steel skyscraper that influenced corporate architecture.
Existentialism in Art
Concept: Artists explore the idea that existence precedes essence, using art to express individual experience.
Giacometti's "Man Pointing": Represents a search for existence through the act of pointing, realizing one's presence in the world.
Photographic Art and Photojournalism
Dorothea Lange's "Migrant Mother": Captures the struggles of migrant workers, becoming an iconic image of the Great Depression.
Grant Wood's "American Gothic"
Cultural Representation: Initially perceived as a critique of rural life, Wood intended it as a tribute to rural American values.
Abstract Expressionism
Movement Characteristics: Artists express feelings abstractly, influenced by surrealism and existential ideas of meaning.
Jackson Pollock's Technique
Event as Art: Pollock's approach emphasizes action over composition, treating the canvas as a dynamic event.
Color Field Painting
Mark Rothko's Work: Focuses on large fields of color to evoke emotion and a spiritual experience, viewing color as a universal language.
Minimalism
Donald Judd's Philosophy: Reduces art to shapes; emphasizes the object itself as the essence of the experience.
Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Design Philosophy: Utilizes minimalist elements to create a reflective and healing space.
Pop Art and Andy Warhol
Integration of Culture: Warhol's work blurs the line between art and mass culture, using consumer objects as subjects.
Techniques
Mass Production Methods: Emphasizes repetition and screen printing, representing both the artist's commentary and the object itself.
Lyrical and Post-Painterly Abstraction
Artistic Techniques: Focus on expression through painterly methods, reacting against the formalism of earlier movements.
Conceptual Art
Central Idea: The concept behind the art takes precedence over physical execution, as seen in Joseph Kosuth's "One and Three Chairs."
Sol Lewitt's Approach: Focusing on ideas rather than traditional art forms; concept becomes the primary vehicle of expression.
Neo-Dadaist Art
Focus on Objecthood: Emphasizes the absurdity and significance of the object itself, challenging traditional art definitions.
Installation Art
Definition: Sculptural works transform spaces and engage viewers in unique experiences.
Art in Public Spaces
Controversies: Richard Serra's "Tilted Arc" evokes debates on public art and funding, questioning the nature and perception of art.