African Art Influence

The form of figural art in Africa was mainly determined by its religious, ritual and magical function. There are certain aspects of beauty (the curve and the round are basic criteria of beauty) and majesty meaning like elongated skulls, long torsos and expressionless figures.

The African artist was stressed in his art to represent his vision of perfection on good or a bad entity rather than referring to a certain individual although keeping resemblance to a human being. The proportions are unbalanced in such a way so they shift the center of gravity in order to augment the most important quality/strength intended to be depicted.

                                                                                        African Mask

Another characteristic is luminosity or the play of light and shadow over the sculpture. One persistent aspect is the self-composure, a straight and upright posture and symmetrical arrangement of the part of the sculpture with very little asymmetric occurrences.

The simplicity of expressing by carving a state of mind inspired many notable figures from abstract art and it still represents a source of inspiration.

Another notable African influence to the way we communicate and vibrate artistically is music. African rhythm and polyrhythm along with the pentatonic scale music in conjunction with European and Native American influence generated many genres like rumba, blues, jazz, rock and roll, and newer eclectic-fusion type.

                                                                  Picasso Mask

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The Beginning of Martin Luther

Martin Luther is known as the key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Luther was often compared to Erasmus because they were both monks and scholars, but similarly they were not iconoclast.  Luther loved the arts of the sixteenth century and often wrote hymns for his new Protestant church services, many of which are still used today in the Protestant church. As mentioned before, Luther was a scholar, and he specialized in language and grammar of the bible. Because of these special skills he became a professor of philosophy and biblical studies at Wittenberg University. During the time period of Luther,Wittenberg University’s learning process was concentrated around debates.

After 1561, Luther began to study the Greek version of the New Testament, but Luther had to translate it into Germany to understand it. From these translations Luther began to rethink the meaning of salvation. He now believed salvation was not delivered through achievement, but through faith. As Luther was beginning his new church, a Dominican monk by the name of Tetzel came along and told Luther’s followers there was no need for confession or to attend mass. This highly upset Luther and he published “Ninety-Five Theses” which led to a great impact on society. The "Ninety-Five Theses" were rules posted on the Catholic church door that followers were suppose to follow which led to havoc and caused his expulsion from church.

The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

The memorial is located in Washington D.C. and is visited by many people. Maya Lin constructed the design in 1982 and dedicated it also. It is a memorial to those who served in the Vietnam War, both living and dead.

It is sometimes referred to as “the Wall,” and it included three pieces all together. There is the wall itself, the statue, and the flag. The surface of the memorial is made of polished black granite that came from India. It has more than 58,000 names on it. The individual names are of the service-men and women who were killed during that time. A lot of the names are people who are missing in action.

The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial is shaped like a large letter V. All of the names on the surface of it begin at one end of the wall and they are listed in chronological order of their individual deaths. It stands at 10 feet and 3 inches tall, in the very middle of the memorial.  The total length of the wall is 493 feet and 6 inches.  There are 70 separate panels for each wall and each one has 5 to 6 names on each line. It cost 4,284,000 dollars to build this memorial.

It is an amazing place for people to go to, so that they can have sense of healing for the loved ones that were taken during the Vietnam War.

Constantin Brancusi

Symbolysm of allusion or reality in disguise?

 

Few are aware of the fact that Constantin Brancusi (1876 - 1957) was of very modest origin. His childhood passion was to carve wood tools, and he manifested a particular interest in mythology, (especially Romanian mythology) folk tales, and traditional art. An example of these influences is the “Endless Column” which is an ancient motif carved on the tombs of unmarried man for more than 1000 years).

Brancusi sculpture is often categorized as abstract by art experts and critics. But Brancusi during his life corrected them abruptly by saying: "There are idiots who define my work as abstract; yet what they call abstract is what is most realistic. What is real is not the appearance, but the idea, the essence of things."

Famous for his style in which the perfect geometrical forms and natural shapes and characteristics are alternated and intertwined to create the dynamism of his sculptures he neither accepted the idea of dualism in his creation nor the cheap desire to ignite controversy and rejection.

“Princes X” (1915) was removed from the Salon de Indépendants in 1920 on grounds of obscenity. Brancusi's friends and colleagues signed a manifesto, published in Le Journal du Peuple (February 25, 1920) to protest the authorities' decision. It was reportedly Picasso (although some accounts cite Matisse) who first had declared the work a phallus. Brancusi was infuriated by the comparison and he insisted the sculpture was a portrayal of a feminine ideal and denied alternate readings that characterized it as a sign of his desire for its model or a formulation of sexual duality.

Another notorious scandal was the U.S. Customs office's refusal in 1926 to classify Bird in Space as a work of art.

“U.S. customs agreed to rethink their classification of the items, but until then released the sculptures on bond under "Kitchen Utensils and Hospital Supplies." However, customs appraiser F. J. H. Kracke eventually confirmed the initial classification of items and said that they were subject to duty. Kracke told the New York Evening Post that "several men, high in the art world were asked to express their opinions for the Government.... One of them told us, 'If that's art, hereafter I'm a bricklayer.' Another said, 'Dots and dashes are as artistic as Brâncuşi's work.' In general, it was their opinion that Brâncuşi left too much to the imagination."

He also became interested in African art (see “Portrait de Madame L.R.” who was sold at Christies for $37 million, representing one of the highest prices sold at the time for an art piece) and Mediterranean art as well.

His circle of friends included artists and intellectuals in Paris such as Ezra Pound, Henri Pierre Roché, Guillaume Apollinaire, Pablo Picasso, Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, Henri Rousseau, Fernand Léger is eloquent in the sense of a common language in art and life interpretation.

"Don’t look for mysteries; I bring you pure joy."

It might not be the best invitation to comment on some of his famous masterpieces but it is one way mortals can share artistic emotions and experience.

                                                                            

           
                                                                                           “Mademoiselle Pogany”

The Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum in New York is well known for its modern architecture and the showings of modern and contemporary art.

Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect, approved the designs for the Guggenheim, but died before its completion in 1959, as did its namesake, Solomon R. Guggenheim.  Wright did not want the location of the museum to be New York as he felt the city “lacked architectural merit”.  Guggenheim, Wright’s client, wanted the location to be New York so, after reviewing several locations, Wright chose Fifth Avenue between 88^th and 89^th Streets in order to be close to Central Park, which was as close to nature as possible in New York City.

The Guggenheim Museum’s architecture is a marvel and until one is in it, it is difficult to relate the structure to its reality.  I lived in New York growing up and visited the Guggenheim Museum once.  I still recall my feeling of amazement that a structure of this design was built, never mind that one of the pieces of art was a large red circle on a plain white background!  Until today, I did not know that one is supposed to take the elevator to the top floor, then walk downwards on a continuous ramp in the shape of a spiral.  As it was, being a child at the time, walking quickly in a downward spiraling motion without having to look at the art work a second time was much more enjoyable!

A Modern to Contemporary View: The Humanitarian: Diderot, My Love

A Modern to Contemporary View: The Humanitarian: Diderot, My Love: "The Humanitarian: Diderot, My Love : ' Denis Diderot was a man with far more wisdom than his years allotted him; the creator of the encyclop..."
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The Humanitarian: Diderot, My Love

The Humanitarian: Diderot, My Love: " Denis Diderot was a man with far more wisdom than his years allotted him; the creator of the encyclopedia, “encyclopedie”, he thought ..."

I certainly agree Denis Diderot was a man with great wisdom, although I disagree with the statement that he was the creator of the encylopedia. Sir Walter Raleigh started work on the first encylopedia. Deiderot was asked to translate the Cyclopedia by Ephraim Chambers. He expounded on this notion. Deiderot had gathered a team of the leading thinkers of his time to create the Encylopedie 0f which he was the chief editor and co-founder. I do agree he was born in Langres France, in eastern Langres to be more precise. Diederot ended his life in France aswell. I also agree that he was raised with Christian values. His own sister was a nun. Diederot himself once aspired to go into the clergy, then changed his mind and wanted to go into law, finally ending up a writer. His writtings shaped many of the thoughts of his readers that an overhaul was needed in their society. Theis helped to fuel the start of the French Revolution. That is why some consider him to be the "brigtest light of the French Revolution".
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Death of a Samurai

As I was reading our textbook, I was astonished at what I found regarding the Samurai and their experiences and views on death. In the training of becoming a Samurai, one had to develop a presumed affinity for death. They were taught that by setting one’s heart right every morning and evening, they would be able to live as though their body was already dead. A major influence on this way of thinking and living was the sheer unpredictable nature of the land of Japan. Earthquakes were often and very dangerous, fires occasionally swept through cities destroying everything and everyone in their paths, and famine along with deadly illnesses were known to strike at any moment’s notice.

            The most intriguing aspect of the Samurai’s death obsession was the practice known as Seppuku. Simply put, Seppuku is the act of slitting one’s own belly in an act of honorable suicide. Also known as Hara-Kiri, which literally means stomach cutting, was put into practice as a punishment or chosen as a preference to a dishonorable death at the hands of their enemy. To perform Seppuku on oneself showed undeniable honor, courage, and loyalty to their way of life. The practice required a certain ritual in which the person to perish was bathed and fed his favorite meal, then was required to write a death poem before killing themselves. Along with slitting their own stomach, a master swordsman would decapitate them so only a flap of skin kept the head on. No wonder the Samurai aren’t very popular today.

Ming Furniture

Ming furniture, made during the 15^th to 17^th century, is known for its elegant, restrained simple lines, precious woods and superb craftsmanship.    The philosophy during this era is reflected through its furniture, as respect for oneself and humanity was illustrated in the workmanship. 

This furniture was created specifically with the human body in mind and is considered to be proportionally correct.  Ergonomics played a role in the craftsmanship of Ming furniture as, for instance, the backs of chairs were made with an “S” shape to fit the natural curve of the back and armrests were curved so arms and hands could fall naturally onto each armrest.  Beds were created to evoke a sense of safety, thereby allowing rest.  For instance, beds were created with sides so people would not roll out of bed, as portrayed in the pictures below. 

Ming furniture is made from hardwoods made available through the open sea trade at the time, of which today only the Senna Siamea is not considered rare.   Royalty and the wealthy treasured Ming furniture that was inlaid with natural stones, ivory and enamel.  The craftsmanship was such that a piece would be able to be separated and put back together as the Chinese moved often.  Built without nails or glue, this furniture was made with “complex joinery – tenon and mortise structure" that compensated for humidity so warping did not occur.  Today, as a result of the rarity of the wood Ming furniture was built from, as well as its classical beauty, function and simplicity, authentic Ming furniture is highly coveted by collectors, especially among the nouveau riche of the Chinese as a way of getting back to their ancestry.



The Amazing Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower, built in 1889, was an engineering marvel that still stands strong more than 120 years later. King Edward VII of England suggested the tower be built, accepting over 700 proposals submitted in a design competition. Out of those 700 proposals, Gustave Eiffel’s design was unanimously chosen. Gustave was a scientist who studied meteorology and wanted to be able to study the effects of wind and weather as well; starting what would become modern day aerodynamics. He designed the tower to be an observation tower to measure the speed of the wind. He also envisioned an automatic device that would slide vertically between the first and second levels, coming up with a vision for the elevator that would eventually be used in the tower.

           The Tower contributed many great things to our world, receiving radio signals for the first time in 1898. It was the tallest building in the world until 1930. The tower served as a main telegraphing antenna and station during WWI. To this day over 7.5 kilowatt hours are used to power the structure annually, with 580 thousand used exclusively to illuminate it. The tower also uses over 2 tons of paper for tickets each year, 400 liters of metal cleaner, and 25,000 garbage bags a year.

Crystal Palace

It was designed by Joseph Paxton during the Romantic era. It was built in 1851 for the Great Exhibition and was first located in Hyde Park, London. It was surrounded by a series of fountains with almost 12,000 individual jets. When flowing in full play, about 120,000 gallons of water flowed through the system.

When Paxton built the walls of the palace, he made them from glass. He used over 900,000 square feet of glass. The entire Crystal Palace was 1,851 feet long and 408 feet wide.

The Crystal Palace was conceived to symbolize military and industrial superiority of Great Britain. Eventually it was closed down and then moved to South London. This is where Queen Victoria re-opened it in 1854. It was associated with the development of television because a television company was established in it.  Many sports were then played in the name of the Crystal Palace, even though Paxton’s original design did not include any of this.

The Crystal Palace was used for many things, but was later destroyed by a fire in 1936. A lot of important events in history took place there; so much of the original overall layout is still there today.

La Madeleine

                The church of La Madeleine was first started by Louis XVI in the eighteenth century. Napoleon came along in 1806 and rededicated the church as a Temple of Glory. It was designed by Pierre-Alexandre Vignon. This La Madeleine monument was then conceived of all of Napoleon’s military victories. The temple held all of his trophies from his victories also.

                The exterior of the La Madeleine is an accurate reconstruction of an ancient Roman temple.  It is slightly raised up off of the ground with a base like structure. The front of the monument is the only place that steps are located. The roof is peaked and the columns on the front of the building are 63’ tall. The length of the figure is 350’ and 147’ in width. The entire structure is in a rectangular shape, similar to the Greek Parthenon.

                On the inside of the La Madeline, the ceiling is built in three consecutive domes. The interior and the exterior of the monument are not coordinated at all. The outside does no justice for what the inside of it looks like.