Friday, March 25, 2011
Matthew Barney
This article was very informative on the work of Matthew Barney. Above all, I was intrigued by his past. He was an avid athlete and attended Yale for school, his past seems traditional however, his creations are from that. From his past, he adds his athletic ability to his work. Barney has accomplished so much in the art world as a 36 year old, it is quite impressive that most of his work is in video form ( ex: the cremaster series) His work is very sexual and he often uses himself as a model. I find his work to be a bit strange and even uncomfortable. I believe that his work pushes the boundaries, but I really do enjoy his use of costumes and dress, this reminded me a lot of Cindy Sherman. It is evident that Barney and his team plans every thing out to the minute. He has a whole team behind him who care about the art he is making and are passionate about his many projects. As a viewer, I am not quite sure what he is saying but it is fun to explore works of artists who don't follow the normal beat and path.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Response to Matthew Barney
From reading this article I am most impressed by Matthew Barney's conceptual exploration, inventiveness, and discovery of himself. At first glance Barney seems like a very strange artist,unrelatable,someone who is completely out there and searching for his artistic focus, but I think because he is so out there and so willing to incorporate his interests in medicine, American football, freemasonry, prosthetic body parts, body orifices, and Harry Houdini, as well as himself he creates work that defines his understanding and approach to art. Barney's work is encoded with multiple layers of meaning, and I enjoy that because he has presented his audience with an image and allowed the view to make their own interpretations.
Response to Barney Reading
In the reading one of the quotes that stood out the most to me was "Barney views the entire universe of forms within the constellation of the cycle as one multidimensional artwork." In practice this means that the artist Matthew Barney really tries to establish a meaning or message and then create art works that push the boundaries of the original idea. One of the main topics that the reading explored was how Barney looked into gender with his Cremaster series, and although they are numbered 1 through 5 they were produced out of sequence and with little spoken language. Having refrained from actually watching the videos, since we are going to do that in class, it seems that they will either tell an actual story – or be so bizarre that they are more shocking than anything else.
Another aspect that I found interesting is that after he spends years developing the Cremaster series, at the end its resolution is what the reading describes as “ambiguous.” While they seem to downplay the political implications of such work, it seems that simply exploring these topics could cause some controversy especially since it seems to allude to the fact that the final gender is not final. Perhaps Barney’s thought that the gender differentiation is trying to mimic the process of creating art downplays that message.
Another aspect that I found interesting is that after he spends years developing the Cremaster series, at the end its resolution is what the reading describes as “ambiguous.” While they seem to downplay the political implications of such work, it seems that simply exploring these topics could cause some controversy especially since it seems to allude to the fact that the final gender is not final. Perhaps Barney’s thought that the gender differentiation is trying to mimic the process of creating art downplays that message.
Response to Matthew Barney
This article about Matthew Barney was very refreshing in that it discusses a very inventive stylistic approach to art. Because of his varied academic and athletic backgrounds, Barney is able to execute a vision of artwork unlike any other. Although many people may have dabbled in academics, medicine, and athletic competition like Barney, not many people would take the risk to combine all of those interests and viewpoints into one. I especially like Barney's idea of comparing muscle and artistic forms and seeing how each is different but evolves and develops in the same way. From a viewer's perspective, this is something that could be relateable to many. Athletes could view his instillation in a gallery and see how creating art is a multi-step and careful process--much like progressing as an athlete or building muscle strength. Artists or art appreciators could view his work and make connections to other disciplines (like athletics or something similar) and be intrigued by Barney's less-conventional artistic approach.
Barney's incorporation of conflict into his works is also very intriguing. He draws inspiration from unlikely sources such as Harry Houdini, a famous magician and escape artist and also Jim Otto a player for the Oakland Raiders. Each of these people inspired Barney by the way he overcame challenge with grace and skill, and that is what Barney aims to do through his art. For many artists, the challenge may be coming up with a new idea for a piece or the laboring process it takes before the final product is produced. For Barney, challenge and conflict are actively incorporated into his performance pieces as if to show the viewer that development and process are never complete.
Barney's incorporation of conflict into his works is also very intriguing. He draws inspiration from unlikely sources such as Harry Houdini, a famous magician and escape artist and also Jim Otto a player for the Oakland Raiders. Each of these people inspired Barney by the way he overcame challenge with grace and skill, and that is what Barney aims to do through his art. For many artists, the challenge may be coming up with a new idea for a piece or the laboring process it takes before the final product is produced. For Barney, challenge and conflict are actively incorporated into his performance pieces as if to show the viewer that development and process are never complete.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
In Progress Assignment to Myself
Like described in my proposal I want to continue the last project by using a similar strategy to location. For this in progress, I chose to photograph locations with unique or quirky architectural elements, as well as play with the idea of balance. Continuing with the inspiration of Jeff Wall, I would like to fill the space with inanimate objects and have a model in the mist of it.
Assignment to Myself
For my assignment to myself I would like to continue some of the same concepts and themes of the last project. I would like to make some of the settings more elaborate with inanimate objects and find locations that have unique architectural elements. As well as focus on the techniques of portraiture, I want to capture these subjects in a way that will create a varying narrative. I would like to continue to research the work of Jeff Wall and artists who do similar installations.
Although I am adopting many of the same techniques from the last series, I have to raise some questions about the concept and subject matter. As far as subject matter I am trying to figure out if I should stick to women as my subjects, to continue the isolated, mysterious themes of their characters, or do I incorporate men into the narratives. I am unsure because I know with using a male subject, the narrative becomes somethings else, there are undertones of masculinity and for this project I am not speaking to male masculinity, however I do think it would be interesting to use men and create a similar sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. I think it would be interesting to play around with both ideas and decide when the images are placed into a collection.
I do not want to limit myself to a specific number because I feel like this subject matter and approach can be stretched to a limitless amount of images. The series will feel complete when the collection speaks for what I am trying to address.
I want to continue this project because I had so much fun with it in the last series and I feel like the project can be pushed forward. Of course I am worried about the series becoming repetitive in nature but with location and subject changes I do not think the viewer will become bored.
Although I am adopting many of the same techniques from the last series, I have to raise some questions about the concept and subject matter. As far as subject matter I am trying to figure out if I should stick to women as my subjects, to continue the isolated, mysterious themes of their characters, or do I incorporate men into the narratives. I am unsure because I know with using a male subject, the narrative becomes somethings else, there are undertones of masculinity and for this project I am not speaking to male masculinity, however I do think it would be interesting to use men and create a similar sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. I think it would be interesting to play around with both ideas and decide when the images are placed into a collection.
I do not want to limit myself to a specific number because I feel like this subject matter and approach can be stretched to a limitless amount of images. The series will feel complete when the collection speaks for what I am trying to address.
I want to continue this project because I had so much fun with it in the last series and I feel like the project can be pushed forward. Of course I am worried about the series becoming repetitive in nature but with location and subject changes I do not think the viewer will become bored.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Kirsten Cleary Proposal
For my final project I want to explore portraiture. I want to control both the model and the environment they’re placed in so I would continue to create setups similar to my previous photo works. Subject matter I’m interested in shooting is people with obsessions, the work will capture both the objects people choose to keep and the type of people who collect them. I think the theme is general enough that I will be able to have various setups and a wide variety of photographs. If I have the chance to take this further I think it would be also interesting to play with projections, particularly I would like to experiment with reflecting my photos on different surfaces and view them on different textures seeing how this effects the affect of the image.
Goal: 10 photographs.
Proposal
For my project to myself I wanted to modernize the idea of the family portrait. Instead of using my actual family, I want to incorporate my roommates and our dog into a "portrait" or series of images that represent our experience of living together. I have a few ideas about the direction for this assignment, but I am hoping to combine classic technical portraits with portraits of scenarios that are much more realistic. I anticipate the series around 10 images and would like to incorporate the use of diptychs and single shots. Hopefully the series of images will highlight characteristics of the individuals and as well as the group dynamic. I think by having a combination of single portraits, groups portraits, and portraits of our "lifestyle" together, I can create an intriguing representation of what it's like to live in a house with five people (and a puppy).
Proposal - Brandon Lawson
For this assignment I would like to return back to my perception project from last semester. In this project I used a laptop to show an image of what was behind the screen, always in the photo studio setting. There was often small interactions with the picture to try and make it more realistic and believable.
Using that as a starting point, I first want to move outside of the studio to try and take away some of the questions that arise from photos taken in that environment. I also want to make the computer much less the central point of the picture. What this could mean is that you potentially could be presented with a scene that while interesting on its own, has the addition of a print or digital device to alter it in some material way. Perhaps the "fake" image that is shown by the computer or print is how the person could envisions what is behind the screen. Another path could be to find images on the internet and then try and place them in real environments. This would fundamentally change the relationship that was created in the original project, but still make people question the validity of the images.
Using that as a starting point, I first want to move outside of the studio to try and take away some of the questions that arise from photos taken in that environment. I also want to make the computer much less the central point of the picture. What this could mean is that you potentially could be presented with a scene that while interesting on its own, has the addition of a print or digital device to alter it in some material way. Perhaps the "fake" image that is shown by the computer or print is how the person could envisions what is behind the screen. Another path could be to find images on the internet and then try and place them in real environments. This would fundamentally change the relationship that was created in the original project, but still make people question the validity of the images.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Gregs Proposal
Who do you get your news from, and who do you believe is correct? Stories from news organizations can vary drastically depending on if you are watching Fox News, National Public Radio or anything in between. The information that is released to the public from various PR companies will have various slants depending on how the company would like to be presented to the public. For this project I will combine ideas from past projects along with new ideas pertaining to this project. I will use a projector to project various images from politics and news stories then I will include myself in the foreground to interact with the projection. The idea is to represent how various stories from the news project themselves in a way that they want to be seen, but is it something that we should believe as the truth?
Goal: 4-6 images
Goal: 4-6 images
Kyleigh's Proposal
For my proposal I would like to spend more time thinking about who I am as an artist and what I want to express to viewers of my work. Thus far, I have really been intrigued by personal expression as well interacting with other individuals in society. That being said, I brainstormed a few ideas that would involve me the photographer or cameraman directly with participants.
Ideas:
1) For my previous video project, I taped several students blowing bubblegum. This in itself is a fun task, yet at the same time is a very intimate thing. What if I photographed a person blowing a bubble and them in midst of this action? This would require very fast shooting to capture the " perfect" bubble. In addition, I would need to research the most effective chewing bubble gum and find willing models. I believe that this action will in some aspect break down the barrier between me and the participant.
2) Participate in the photos directly. This would be quite gutsy and I could look like a nut case however, It would be very interesting to ask random people if I could take my photograph with them. Just as if I was a tourist in a foreign country, I will act like I want a picture of everything and everyone. This idea intrigues me because I really enjoy being social and interacting with others. Even though this would a bold project, I believe this project would push me not only as an artist but also as a person.
Goal: A 10 Photograph series.
Ideas:
1) For my previous video project, I taped several students blowing bubblegum. This in itself is a fun task, yet at the same time is a very intimate thing. What if I photographed a person blowing a bubble and them in midst of this action? This would require very fast shooting to capture the " perfect" bubble. In addition, I would need to research the most effective chewing bubble gum and find willing models. I believe that this action will in some aspect break down the barrier between me and the participant.
2) Participate in the photos directly. This would be quite gutsy and I could look like a nut case however, It would be very interesting to ask random people if I could take my photograph with them. Just as if I was a tourist in a foreign country, I will act like I want a picture of everything and everyone. This idea intrigues me because I really enjoy being social and interacting with others. Even though this would a bold project, I believe this project would push me not only as an artist but also as a person.
Goal: A 10 Photograph series.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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