Art AppreciationCH1WKST
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Cuyahoga Community College *
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1010
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Arts Humanities
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Apr 3, 2024
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Art Appreciation Chapter One Worksheet (50pts)
Name: Karolina Petruk
Think and write by applying the concepts covered in Chapters 1
Response to each question must be minimum 200 words
with a maximum of 250 words
. 1.
Thinking of what you have learned about the communicative qualities of line, why might Carolyn Davidson have made the choices she did when designing the Nike logo? Find two other logos and explain how they use communicative line to express the values of an organization. (5pts)
With the design of the Nike logo Carolyn Davidson was able to encompass the brand image. Though the
design is simple, the swoosh is dynamic and fluid; I believe it encompasses speed. The way the lines curve conveys a sense of energy, which reinforces the brand name and its products.
Another example is the Adidas logo, which features three diagonal stripes. The original adidas logo was
created by Adolf Dassler and his partner, which was a bird carrying a sneaker. The logo went through many changes, and I believe this was to cater to the people of the time. The 3 diagonal lines were created in 1990 by Peter Moore. The logo symbolizes a mountain to encompass the energy and competitive spirit of the brand. The lines show motion as each line grows taller throughout the logo.
One more logo that I would like to note is the Chanel logo. This logo is well known for being a luxury and elegant on any product. The Chanel logo was created by Coco Chanel and this piece is two intertwining C’s. The line work is symmetrical and is black generally with white negative space. The line work can symbolize harmony or perfection with the symmetry conveyed with this brand. 2. Both Constantin Brancusi and Auguste Rodin created stone sculptures, each titled
The Kiss
, to express an idea related to this act of love. Each is stylistically different, but Brancusi chose to leave the original block of
stone mostly intact. Why would Brancusi have chosen to do this? How does this change his expression of the kiss compared to Rodin’s?
(5pts)
Constantin Brancusi's vision in crafting "The Kiss" radiates a profound commitment to preserving the raw essence of the stone. The deliberate decision to leave much of the original block intact is a testament to his dedication to showcasing the material's inherent purity and authenticity. In contrast to Auguste Rodin's intricate carving approach, Brancusi's departure reflects a distinct choice emphasizing simplicity.
This strategy communicates a distinctive sense of simplicity and raw beauty to "The Kiss," amplifying the primal and unaltered nature of the act of love. The untouched stone becomes a powerful symbol, echoing Brancusi's belief in the potency of minimalism. In this approach, beauty emerges from the unadorned elements of existence, celebrating the inherent charm of the material itself. In a sense, the material is what adorned the piece and not the artist's work.
Brancusi achieves a timeless representation through the intentional balance between the sculptor's intervention and the stone's innate qualities. "The Kiss" becomes a harmonious fusion of creative expression and the fundamental aspects of human connection, exceeding the specific act it shows to produce versatile and elemental emotions. Brancusi's masterpiece is a testament to simplicity's enduring power in capturing the profound beauty of love in its strongest form.
3.
Discuss how isometric perspective communicates a sense of depth when used in contemporary video games and traditional Chinese landscape scroll painting. What do these very different media have in common? Can you think of other examples besides those given in the text? (5pts)
Isometric perspective serves as a intriguing bridge between the realms of contemporary video games and
traditional Chinese landscape scroll painting, seamlessly weaving depth into two-dimensional spaces. In video games, isometric perspective is a visual magic trick, employing parallel lines to craft a convincing three-
dimensional illusion on a flat screen. This technique enhances the player's immersion by providing a sense of depth and space within the game environment.
Similarly, in traditional Chinese landscape scroll painting, the isometric perspective conveys depth through the strategic layering of mountains, rivers, and other elements. The use of parallel lines in this traditional art form creates a spatial composition that draws the viewer into a vast, immersive landscape.
The common thread here lies in the shared utilization of parallel lines to communicate depth and distance. Whether in the dynamic, interactive world of video games or the contemplative realm of Chinese scroll paintings, the employment of isometric perspective transcends cultural and technological boundaries. This
shared visual language allows both media to effectively engage audiences by invoking a sense of space and distance. Isometric perspective also finds application in architectural drawings, technical illustrations, and contemporary graphic design, illustrating its versatile and universal appeal across diverse creative disciplines.
4. In a letter to his brother Theo, Vincent van Gogh wrote about
The Night Café
: “I have tried to express with red and green the terrible passions of human nature.” Discuss what Van Gogh meant by this statement, and
how color helps communicate this idea.
(5pts)
In his letter to his brother Theo regarding "The Night Café," Vincent van Gogh unveils a profound intention to encapsulate the intense passions inherent in human nature through his masterful use of color. In the painting, Van Gogh's reference to red and green articulates the profound depths of human emotion.
The choice of red, a color universally associated with passion and intensity, signifies human feelings' fervent, often tumultuous, aspects. The red hues in "The Night Café" convey a raw and visceral energy, reflecting the intensity of emotions within the depicted space. It is as if the walls are ablaze with the fiery passions that define human existence.
Contrarily, the inclusion of green in the composition introduces a contrasting narrative. Green, traditionally related to notions of unease or sickness, imparts a sense of discord within the scene. This color choice adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that alongside the fervor of passion, an undercurrent of discomfort or anxiety exists in the human experience. The juxtaposition of these contrasting colors creates a visual tension that mirrors the intricate tapestry of human nature. Van Gogh's genius lies in his ability to convey
the multifaceted and often conflicting aspects of emotion through his masterful use of color, turning "The Night Café" into a profound exploration of the human psyche
5. The sculptural work
Sublimate (Cloud Cover)
by Ron Lambert measures time based on the process of evaporation and condensation. Can you name three other natural processes that give us a sense of time? (5pts)
The passage of time is often explored through the lens of natural processes, evoking a deep connection between artistic expression and the rhythms of the world. Ron Lambert's sculptural masterpiece, "Sublimate (Cloud Cover)," ingeniously measures time through the delicate ballet of evaporation and condensation. However, this is just one facet of the intricate dance between art and nature. Another captivating natural process
that breathes life into artistic narratives is the transformative journey of metamorphosis. The metamorphic cycles of caterpillars blossoming into vibrant butterflies or the molting of creatures serve as metaphors for growth, transformation, and the inevitability of change within artistic representations.
Sunsets, sunrises, and the play of shadows throughout the day offer artists a dynamic palette to depict the cyclical nature of time. The shifting hues and interplay of light and darkness encapsulate the fleeting moments that define our perception of time in visual art. Additionally, the rhythmic tides of the ocean, with their constant ebb and flow, mirror the undulating currents of life. Artists often harness the symbolic power of waves to convey the cyclical patterns of emotions, relationships, and experiences. In these natural processes, art becomes a captivating dialogue with the temporal, weaving narratives that resonate with the fluidity and poetry of the world around us.
6. Choose two artworks from the textbook: one that is an example of symmetrical balance, and one an example of asymmetrical balance. Why might each artist have chosen to create their artwork in this way? Which do you think is more effective?
(5pts)
Muiredach's High Cross embodies symmetrical balance with its West face composition. The deliberate symmetry in the design, likely chosen by the unknown artist, serves an aesthetic purpose and holds symbolic significance within the context of Celtic Christian art. Symmetry in Muiredach's High Cross reflects a sense of
order and stability, conveying a visual harmony that resonates with the spiritual themes of balance and unity inherent in religious symbolism.
In contrast, Ma Yuan's "Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring" from the Song Dynasty exemplifies asymmetrical balance. Created as an album leaf with ink and color on silk, the artwork captures a moment of contemplative tranquility in nature. Ma Yuan, influenced by Daoist philosophy, deliberately embraces asymmetry to mimic the dynamic and spontaneous nature of the natural world. The asymmetrical composition allows for a more fluid and open interpretation, echoing the Daoist principles of embracing change and harmony through asymmetry.
Determining the effectiveness of symmetrical versus asymmetrical balance is hard to choose because each has its qualities that can have the upper hand. While Muiredach's High Cross achieves a sense of timeless serenity through its symmetrical design, Ma Yuan's asymmetrical approach captures the fleeting beauty of a moment in nature, inviting a contemplative and dynamic engagement. Both approaches effectively convey their respective messages, and it is difficult for me to choose since each has its strengths.
7. Historically, hierarchical scale has been used by artists to communicate power or rank in social and religious contexts but identifying importance using scale (or implied scale) may also be used in visual communication design. Can you think of an example from everyday life—perhaps in advertising—where scale is used to indicate importance? How is it being communicated and is it effective?
(5pts)
In the realm of everyday life and advertising, the use of scale to indicate importance is a common and effective design strategy. Consider a product advertisement where the scale of elements within the composition is manipulated to communicate the significance of certain features. For instance, in a smartphone advertisement,
the product itself might be depicted as more significant than other elements in the scene, such as surrounding accessories or background details. This deliberate use of scale communicates the importance of the product, emphasizing its key features and benefits. Advertisers draw attention to its design, functionality, or technological innovations by enlarging the smartphone to other elements. The larger scale creates a visual hierarchy that guides the viewer's focus towards the highlighted product, suggesting that it has a central role and
dominance within the narrative of the advertisement. This application of scale in advertising is practical because
it aligns with the principles of visual communication. Viewers naturally tend to prioritize more significant or prominently displayed elements, allowing advertisers to convey the significance of certain aspects of their product or message. This technique helps create a clear and impactful visual hierarchy, influencing the audience's perception and understanding of the advertised content. 8. Identify three things that the artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder could have done differently in his painting
Landscape with the Fall of Icarus
if he had wanted to make the figure of Icarus the focal point of the work.
(5pts)
In Pieter Bruegel, the Elder's masterful composition, "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus," the tragic narrative of Icarus plunging into the sea is subtly woven into the intricate tapestry of the pastoral scene. However, Bruegel could have employed various visual techniques to amplify his presence within the frame to elevate Icarus to the status of a focal point. One effective method would be to enhance the contrast surrounding Icarus, creating a stark distinction between his figure and the surrounding elements. Brighter colors could have been strategically applied to Icarus, drawing the viewer's attention through luminosity amidst the more muted tones of the background.
Furthermore, increasing the level of detail in the depiction of Icarus—perhaps refining the contours of his form or accentuating the drama of his descent—would demand a closer inspection from the viewer to embrace him as
the focal point. By implementing these techniques, Bruegel could have coordinated a visual hierarchy that redirected attention to the pivotal moment of Icarus's fall. This intentional manipulation of visual elements would emphasize the central narrative and imbue the scene with heightened emotional resonance, compelling the viewer to engage more deeply with the tragic tale unfolding within the vast and seemingly indifferent landscape.
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9. In
Hunters in the Snow
, a number of rhythms and subsidiary rhythms draw the viewer’s attention through the work. Can you specify where this is happening and how the artist is achieving these rhythmic sequences? Find at least three different areas of rhythm in the work.
(5pts)
Pieter Bruegel the Elder's "Hunters in the Snow" is a piece that skillfully employs various rhythms to guide the viewer's gaze across the expansive winter landscape. One prominent rhythmic sequence occurs in the undulating hills and slopes, where the artist utilizes the repetition of lines and contours to create a visual rhythm
that leads the eye from the foreground to the distant horizon. The rolling hills, covered in a blanket of snow, establish a rhythmic flow that traverses the entire canvas.
Additionally, depicting the hunters and their dogs introduces another layer of rhythm. The diagonal lines
formed by the hunters' postures and the meandering movement of the dogs generate a dynamic rhythm that adds
vitality to the scene. The juxtaposition of the human and animal figures contributes to the narrative rhythm, capturing the viewer's attention through the interaction and motion within the composition.
Furthermore, the village's architecture in the background creates a third area of rhythm. The repetition of
geometric shapes and lines in the rooftops and buildings establishes a contrasting rhythm against the organic forms of nature, providing a sense of order and human intervention in the rustic setting. Bruegel masterfully orchestrates these rhythmic sequences, creating a rich visual experience that invites the viewer to explore the nuances of the winter piece.
10. In Noma Bar’s poster image
Gun Crime
, which shape dominates, the positive or the negative? Why?
(5pts)
In Noma Bar's poster image, "Gun Crime," the negative space overwhelmingly dominates the composition. Bar, known for his ingenious use of negative space and the stark design characteristic of Bar's minimalist and thought-provoking approach, employs it here to form the silhouette of a handgun, creating a visually striking image. The negative space defines the recognizable shape of the firearm, making it the central focus of the composition.
The choice to emphasize the negative space is deliberate and carries a message about the impact of gun crime. By allowing the absence of color and form to shape the firearm, Bar symbolizes the void, loss, and emptiness associated with the destructive consequences of gun violence. The negative space becomes a powerful metaphor for the consequences and the aftermath of gun-related incidents, highlighting the emptiness left behind in their wake.
The dominance of negative space in "Gun Crime" underscores Noma Bar's ability to communicate complex social issues through simplicity. The powerful visual statement prompts viewers to contemplate the implications of gun crime, highlighting the emptiness and loss that it brings to individuals and communities. The negative space, therefore, becomes a compelling and evocative tool in conveying the emotional weight and gravity of the subject matter.