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Showing posts from March, 2025

POST 2: Manet: How Impressionism's Most Controversial Artist Craved Notoriety AND The Father of Impressionism

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  1: Why is Manet considered the father of Impressionism? Édouard Manet's pivotal role in the genesis of Impressionism is widely acknowledged. His departure from conventional academic techniques, characterized by his utilization of loose brushwork, vibrant color palettes, and a focus on luminosity over meticulous detail, established the foundational aesthetic principles that would define the Impressionist movement 2: What is Manet's most significant contribution to art? Manet's groundbreaking contribution to art lies in his ability to dismantle the boundaries of Realism, thereby forging a pathway to Impressionism and establishing a new paradigm for modern artistic expression. Manet's work, exemplified by its abrupt color transitions and unconventional stylistic choices, initially provoked strong opposition from his contemporaries. However, these very elements, which were deemed objectionable at the time, are precisely what render his art so compelling to modern audience...

POST 1: Impressionists Session 1

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  1:   Do a little research  on the artists featured in the film. Which artist appeals to you the most? Why?   It proved challenging to select a single artist from the film, as both Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro appealed to me significantly, given their landscape-focused work. However, I'm inclined to favor Claude Monet, primarily because of the striking vibrancy and naturalistic quality of his paintings 2: How are paintings of the Impressionists distinctly different than those before them? What does Avant Garde mean? How does it relate to the art in this film? Is Impressionism a step in the right direction? Why? Do you think that these paintings are visually appealing? Why? The Impressionists' departure from traditional painting was marked by their revolutionary techniques, particularly their use of fragmented brushstrokes and a focus on capturing fleeting light. As an 'avant-garde' movement, they were undeniably ahead of their time. This art form's attempt...

FILM 8 - DAVID / SCHAMA

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  One question about David that is specifically related to his artmaking should be asked and answered. Question: How did Jacques-Louis David incorporate classical themes into his artmaking? - Jacques-Louis David used the themes and forms of classical antiquity to express political and moral ideas. David emphasized themes of duty, sacrifice, and allegiance to the state in his painting The Oath of the Horatii (1784) by drawing on a story from Roman tradition. Strong lines, symmetry, and clarity—all characteristics of classical art—are present in his compositions, and the characters in his paintings frequently have idealized, sculpture-like forms that resemble ancient statues. David's artworks aligned with the "Enlightenment" ideas of his day by utilizing these components to promote the aesthetic and ideological idea of classical virtues. Question: How does Simon Schama address the tension between David’s artistic ideals and his political actions during the Revolution? - Sch...

FILM 7: CIVILIZATION / COLLINGS

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  1. Who is Matthew Collings? Why should we believe his stories? Collings chose to discuss a wide range of art history. Why? What was his point? British art critic, author, artist, and television host Matthew Collings is well-known for his criticism and analysis of contemporary art. His broad and lighthearted approach to art critique, especially in his books and television shows about modern and contemporary art, helped him become well-known in the 1990s.  In light of his extensive expertise and background, his stories may be believed. Collings, both an artist and a critic, has extensive knowledge of the art world. He has spent much time researching, writing about, and creating art. His "expertise" encompasses both contemporary trends and art history, giving him a thorough comprehension of the subjects he discusses. His opinions are more credible because of the years of experience that have formed them. Collings decided to look at a range of art history to demonstrate how man...