Art Defined: The Nature of Art

Controversy

A discussion marked by the expression of opposing views.

Balance

Aesthetically pleasing equilibrium in the arrangement or combination of elements.

Which of the following statements does not define what art is?

Art is appreciated by all individuals when examined carefully.

By definition, what is "art"? What do you consider "art"?

Art is work created by a person who communicates a message or displays objects using different tools and techniques. Art is a way, as I see it, for one o express any emotion or feeling. Its their way of communication and expression

American photographer Edward Steichen purchased the sculpture Bird in Space while in Paris, France. What occurred when he tried to return to the United States with the sculpture? Include as many details as possible in your response.

At customs Edward had been asked what the sculpture was,customs ended up labeling it as "kitchen utensils and supplies" and had tried to charge him with an import tax. Steichen refused to pay the duty and therefore led to this going to the Supreme Court. There the sculpture was said to be art and Steichen did not have to pay the tax.

The court case Constantin Brancusi v. United States determined that ____________ was a piece of art, and not a kitchen utensil as U.S. customs believed it to be.

Bird in Space

The bronze sculpture (left) was created by Constantin Brancusi and is called Bird in Space. The watercolor (right) was painted by James Audubon and is called Wild Turkey. Describe the message each artist wanted to convey to the observer.

Bird in Space: The artists wanted to convey the graceful qualities of the bird. He tried o show the movement of the bird by eliminating all the physical features. Wild Turkey: James Audubon took a realistic approach of hi image of a bird. There is almost a scientific purpose seen in the detail and technique of his watercolor of the wild turkey. Audubon wanted to show that even though the painting is of a wild turkey, a less beautiful bird, there is still some beauty to his artwork.

Art

Expressive product made by an artist and it communicates its expressiveness in some way.

Imagery

Expressive reproductions of images, persons, or things.

How many "eyes" fit across the average adult's head? Where would you place the eyes when drawing a portrait?

Five "eyes" fit across the average adult's head. When drawing the portrait, I would place the eyes halfway down the figure's head.

Which of the following statements best describes James Auduborn's intentions when he painted, Wild Turkey?

He intended to portray the bird realistically, and yet also show its unique and beautiful qualities.

Examine the painting below by Pablo Picasso entitled Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. After looking at the painting and the elements of art used, read the quote below and answer the question that follows. "Picasso was the gateway to true modern art. His painting Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is considered the birth of modern art, which influenced many of the other great modern painters. Art doesn't need to be perfectly and accurately represented images to be beautiful; art is intended to invoke a mood to the viewer." Do you agree with the author regarding Picasso, the painting, and the definition of art? Why or why not?

I do agree with the author. This painting will be the parent to all other modern art and artists. In no way shape or form does art need to be perfect,especially if it is new to you. His painting may not look perfect but maybe that is because it was new to him. Different art does invoke different moods.

__________ is best defined as the all-encompassing reproduction of a person or thing.

Imagery

Define the following terms: Imagery Proportion Design

Imagery is the expressive reproductions of images, persons, or things. Proportion is the relation of one part to another, or of parts to the whole in respect to the size, height, width, and scale. Design is the arrangement of visual elements in a work of art.

Which is more effective in transmitting information about a bird, Brancusi's Bird in Space or John Audubon's Wild Turkey?

It depends on the information the artists wants to transmit. If the artists wants to show the graceful attributes and the motion of a bird, then Bird in Space would be most effective. If the artists wants to show the physical attributes of a bird as it is seen in daily life to most people, then Wild Turkey would be most effective.

What is the most common purpose for composition in art?

It provides an understanding of, and agreement among, all the elements.

Explain the difference between proportion and balance.

Proportion is the relative size of objects as compared to other parts of the piece. Balance is the arrangement of elements within the piece that give it an aesthetically pleasing equilibrium for the observer.

The creative input of the artist and the meaning behind what was created is as important as the elements of art. Describe how the artist has used proportion and composition in this piece. In your opinion, what was the artist trying to convey to the observer?

Proportion: certain objects are smaller than others to create depth; the objects are all relatively small and proportionate to each other. Composition: bolder colors seem to leap off the page, whereas lighter colors appears to fall back; almost all the objects are vertically placed so the eye travels up and down when looking at the piece; there is balance of shape and color. There are many things that the artist could be trying to convey to its observers, it really depends on how the observer sees the art, how they interpret it.

Proportion

Relation of one part to another, or of parts to the whole in respect to the size, height, width, and scale.

Define symmetry. What does symmetry provide for artwork?

Symmetry is the aesthetic balance that is achieved when parts of an object are arranged from a real or imaginary line in the middle of the price. Each part displayed on one side corresponds with each part on the other side. Symmetry allows the observers eye to easily view the entire painting,provides balance to the artwork,and makes the elements all exist in agreement with one another. Symmetry can also help the artists convey a message, such as one of calmness.

Design

The arrangement of visual elements in a work of art.

Why is the sculpture in the picture considered a piece of art? Use keywords and art terms from the lesson to answer the question

The sculpture may be symbolic of something real. Each part of the sculpture is well proportioned to the others,which makes the piece agreeable to the eye. The semi-circles help direct the eyes from the bottom-center to up and out. The sculpture has balance because if we were to see it from another view, its pieces would work harmoniously together. From this angle, the sculpture is asymmetrical.

Describe in a few sentences, why can having an understanding of imagery, proportion, balance, and design help you to evaluate the validity of an artwork?

Understanding Imagery, proportion, balance, and design can help you recognize the amount of experience and effort the artist put into a piece. With the knowledge of these factors, it's easier to tell if an artwork in a certain style was made skillfully. A piece with poor proportion for example, will often look off, and confuse the viewer, whereas one with good proportion is more pleasing to the eye. Understanding balance, imagery, proportion, and design can help you determine the cause of the flaws in a piece, and how to remedy them.

Art is often controversial because __________________?

artists and observers have varying ideas of what art is

The artist who painted this piece of modern art focused mainly on __________ and __________.

balance; design

Brancusi's well-known sculpture of a bird was intended to ____________

emphasize the graceful qualities of a bird

When we see something that exists in real life, there are many different ways to display imagery and importance using art. What the artist _____________ depends on what he/she wants to communicate.

emphasizes

Forms of art depend upon _____________________

the artist's tastes and the message the artist wants to convey.