FINAL TOPIC

Creativity, culture and innovation are key components to traveling the road of success in fashion

design. Based on this statement I have chosen to the topic "Fashion: The emergence of the

grandfather of colored designers, Arthur McGee. Son of a dress maker Arthur was exposed to

fashion at birth, winning a designing competition he received a scholarship that allowed him to

attend  the fashion institute where he expanded his knowledge. He worked jobs in his field 

however, he was never the designer only the assistant. At one of his jobs  he did designs for his

boss who always told him to destroy them not finding them up to par, until he did a three sleeved

sweater which was brilliant and from that instance he began to design for Broadway. Arthur being

an African American was not viewed as a designer even after his success, fortunately enough he

made his name by refusing to conform to the norms of contemporary fashion styles by using

influences from Japanese and African Culture.

Abstract Expressionism

Bernecia Broadbelt

Blog # 9

Abstract Expressionism

Defined as the American post World WarII Abstract expressionism was the first American movement, which allowed them to achieve international influence and placing New York at the center of the western world art Jackson Pollock's dripping paint onto a canvas laid on the floor is a technique that was influenced by many artists, such as André Masson, Max Ernst and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Another important early example of work that became abstract expressionism is the work of American Northwest artist Mark Tobey, especially his "white writing" canvases, which, though generally not large in scale, anticipate the "all-over" look of Pollock's drip paintings. Many view this type of art as confusing, untidy and not even “art” however, I must disagree art is an expression of oneself therefore how one chooses to express themselves is in fact art. That is why I am also of the view art expressionism embodies what America is, the land of the free the home of the brave. If a person is caused to conform and not be free in the land of the free then what is the point of it all. Being able to make art that is an expression of you, which is done through abstract expressionism, is being a true American.

Name: Jackson Pollock

Tittle of work: “Number8”

Medium: Oil on canvas

Year completed: 1949

Painting vs Photography

  

Two mediums through which art can be expressed paintings and photography are pioneers in the art world.  However, like many things that coincide both have their advantages and disadvantages when compared to each other. "What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” Karl Lagerfeld. This quote epitomizes the true meaning of photography. “Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” Pablo Picasso. A painting is an expansion of its painter. Although painting and photography can be viewed as one entity this essay will define each of them, highlighting their positives and negatives and also to clearly state which, if any, outweighs the other.

 

Painting - an art form that transcends through time and culture is an expansion of the painter. Invented centuries ago this form of art can still be seen today; its immortality reigns supreme.

Painting is a mode of creative expression, and the forms are numerous. Drawing, composition or abstraction and other aesthetics may serve to manifest the expressive and conceptual intention of the practitioner. Paintings can be naturalistic and representational (as in a still life or landscape painting), photographic, abstract, be loaded with narrative content, symbolism, emotion or be political in nature. To illustrate, the oldest known paintings are at the Grotte Chauvet in France, claimed by some historians to be about 32,000 years old. They are engraved and painted using red ochre and black pigment and show horses, rhinoceros, lions, buffalo, mammoth, abstract designs and what are possibly partial human figures. Paintings could be seen displayed in houses, business places and important institutions.

 

Photography derived from the Greek photo- for "light" and -graphos for "drawing" is the art, science, and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film, or electronically by means of an image sensor.  Photography makes it possible to duplicate anything so that it could be analysed by the viewer. During the 20th century, both fine art photography and documentary photography became accepted by the English-speaking art world and the gallery system. In the United States, a handful of photographers, including Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, John Szarkowski, F. Holland Day, and Edward Weston, spent their lives advocating for photography as a fine art. It should be noted that at first, fine art photographers tried to imitate painting styles.

 

Although both painting and photography are types of art they are similar and yet different. A painting can never be reproduced exactly the same way in which it was created, however, it can be duplicated through photography. Due to the fact that everyone has his or her preference one may appreciate photography more than they appreciate paintings and vice versa. Therefore in my opinion none outweighs the other, both are perfect to who appreciates them.

Artist: Sopheap Pich

Title: “Cycle 2, Version 3”

Medium: Metropolitan Museum

Date Completed: 2008

Arches

Bernecia Broadbelt

Art - 11

Arches

​According to wikipedia"An arch is a structure that spans a space and supports structure and weight above it. Arches appeared as early as the 2nd millennium BC in Mesopotamian brick architecture and their systematic use started with the ancient Romans who were the first to apply the technique to a wide range of structures." They are various types of arches such as circular forms, pointed arches and vaults. - referred to as rounded arches, Roman builders relied heavily on circular forms or rounded arches to span large open areas. Pointed arches are used in gothic style architecture these arches allowed taller builders and reduced the amount of thrust in the base.Vaults are arches which are assembled side by side.   Parabolic arches, on the other hand, require the most thrust at the base. However, the focus will be placed on pointed arches and circular arches.

​ The Romans are one of the most influential people in architecture. They were one of the first builders to include the style of arches.  They made the circular arches. This type of arches was used by the Romans because they knew how to make them because they had access to materials such as keystone, voussoir and springing. A few examples of some of the amazing roman structures were the Colosseum, Pont du Gard and the Patheon. The use of arches was done so brilliantly that even today modern buildings still use circular arches.

​ Although the Romans did fantastic building using the circular arches the Goths who came after them took a different approach. The Gothic style of architecture wasinfluenced by the rise of Christianity.  Before this period Christians hid to have servicesand gatherings. However, when Christianity began to flourish and became an accepted religion they didn't hide anymore, the construction of Christian cathedrals began.  Influenced by the great architectural work of the Romans they used arches. Unfortunately they thought that the round arches weren't close enough to God. Thus, by applying the Pointed arches they were able to build taller buildings and have larger mosaic windows. The height made them feel closer to God and the larger windows told his stories and brought in His glorious light. Gothic cathedrals are referred to as the greatest and most elaborate buildings made of stone. Although a great inclusion in architecture the gothic style arches were shortly lived.  By the early fourteenth century new types of arches were on the rise such as the Renaissance style.  Fortunately, in the nineteenth century, Gothic arches were revived and can still be seen in Europe and the U.S.A.

​Some may say that regardless of the shape of the arch it is still an arch so why the need for differentiation. Many debates can be formulated but in order to fully understand what influenced the styles they must be differentiated. The main idea of the pointed arches were influenced by religion but the construction of it can be viewed as an advancement.  They allowed taller buildings, larger windows which created an illusion of being in the presence of God. A noted difference is that they didn't require as much support at the base as the circular archers. Not only did the pointed arches allow creativity in terms of the designs of the windows but also the height of buildings.

​       “All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space.” (Phillip Johnson) The above quotation reminded me of the arches which were both influenced by the availability of materials and beliefs. These arches signify true architectural genius and how  their use began in one era and continue to  influence  the building culture today.

Works Cited: or References

1. A History Of Western Art by Laurie Schnieder Adams pages 201 and 220

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome

Artist: Bernecia Broadbelt

Title: "Roman and Gothic Arches"

Ancient Greece

Bernecia Broadbelt

Art -11

Greek  Art

            A civilization lost between time and space known only as a myth emerges, captures and impacts Western culture, the Greeks. Before the nineteenth century there was no or little mention of the Greeks, one would hear about Egyptian wars, sculptures and scandals. Although the seven wonders of ancient world were Egyptian these buildings and structures were elaborate and lacked "reality." Greek art was completely different focusing on reality they took their influences from many eras and civilizations. Such as Eastern civilizations, of Roman art and its patrons, and the new religion of Orthodox Christianity in the Byzantine era, Italian and European ideas during the period of Romanticism including Modernist and Postmodernist. Greek art is comprised of at-least five types and they are architecture, sculpture, painting, pottery and jewelry making.

            Influences from various categories of styles Greek paintings and pottery in my opinion very unique and beautiful. One of the earliest styles absorbed was the geometric style, " ^[1]the lively rectilinear meander patterns circling the body of amphora ( two handled storage jar) are typical of geometric pottery design." Majority of Greek Paintings were found on pottery, they existed together. Other influences were Orientalizing style (700-600 BC), Archaic style(600-480BC), late Archaic to Classical style (530 -400 BC) and Classical to Hellenistic style (450-323 BC). One of the best preserved example of Greek pictorial art derived from the Hellenistic period is the " Battle of Issos from house of the Faun, Pompeii."

            Being mythic-ally oriented by believing in Gods, the Greeks considered their temples as the place where their God's dwell. These beliefs influenced their architecture, the believed that ^[2]" the god's cult must be housed on the main floor facing east to an outdoor altar where sacrifices were performed." Great strides in Greek architecture were there temples, one of the most exceptional temples is the Parthenon classically balanced, proportional unified. Other temples are the Erechtheum, Propylaea, Athena Nike and Steps.

            One of the most influential type of Greek art is their sculptures precise, calculated, accurate and realistic, these sculptures still are the "best" sculptures created. Gathering their ideas from categorical styles such as Archaic styles, Early Classical styles, Classical styles and Late Classical styles. The Greeks seek to be unique but also "real". Real being more realistic, in my opinion they paid attention to detail capturing the essence of a person by replicating their true physical appearance. Early Greek sculptures lacked full features the eyes and hands were excluded although some form of realism was shown other aspects lacked. Pushing the envelopes of possible a greek artist created the " Warrior of Riace" cutting the body into four sections the perfect man was created. Although this structure was realistic in structure, stature and form minor details like spine structure, pronounced muscle and chest cavity separates Greek sculptures  from the true human form.

            Egyptian art may be recognized easier and in some arenas may be quoted as better than Greek art, however, the Greeks did things unimaginable by the Egyptians. They  removed the elaborated versions of art and began capturing the likeness of what was being depicted. Embodying their beliefs of naturalization the Greeks created one of the best Art even to this day. It is not what can be imagined that proves great art but what is real that can replicated that proves true artistic abilities.

Works cited:

1.      "A History Of Western Art" fifth edition by. Laurie Schneider Adams published by city       university.

2.       Henri Stierlin. Greece: From Mycenae to the Parthenon. Taschen, 2004.

3.       C. Mango, ed., The art of the Byzantine Empire, 312-1453: sources and documents (Inglewood Cliffs, 1972 )

Artist’s Full Name: unknown

Title of Work: "Funerary relief"

Medium: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Year Completed: 325 - 300 BC

---

^[1] extract taken from "A History of Western Art fifth edition" by Laurie Schneider Adams

page 84

3/3/2013

^[2] "A HISTORY OF WESTERN ART by LAURIE SCHNEIDER ADAMS

page 97

retrieved 3/3/2013

PORTRAIT

Bernecia Broadbelt
Art - 11
Portrait

"It is always the start that requires the greatest effort." James Cash Penney. This quote epitomizes 

how I felt when instructed to find a partner and draw a portrait of them. I have never done a portrait 

before and this would be a task. Luckily enough my partner had the same feelings. The both of us sat 

looking at each other laughing having no idea where to begin for literally ten minutes. However, we 

breathed in and encouraged each other to start, conquering our fear the unknown we pressed forward.

 In the end because we made the effort to begin we completed our portraits.  My focal points were her

 hair the length and how it flowed loosly behind the black bander and also her eyes beauiful and with a 

hint of innocence.

Tittle of Work: "The Experience"

ANCIENT ART

Bernecia Broadbelt
Art - 11 B.C.C
Assignment #2


Magnificent, Innovative, Creative, Brilliant and Superb are just a few words that can be used to describe Ancient Egypt. When one think of Egypt the first thing we gravitate to is Pharos and the pyramids, however, looking at videos such as "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World" that seeks to enlighten you on the other things ancient Egypt represent is beyond amazing. In the video series we are introduced to sculptures, architecture, portraits, papyrus, canon, and most importantly "Art". This writing will take its readers to ancient Egypt focusing on its influence in our world today, climb aboard, relax and travel with me to Egypt.
Set in a time before christ ancient artist dared to push what was seemed impossible in architecture, sculptures and engineering to heights never thought attainable. From the worlds largest building to the tallest skyscrapers these innovations received the one of the highest distinctions, being the seven wonders of the world not of one country but the entire world. However, only one wonder still exist to this day the others were destroyed. One may ask what are these "seven wonders" and they are the "HANGING GARDENS OF BABYLON, THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA, TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS AT EFFESUS, THE SATTUE OF ZUES AT OLYMPIA MAUSOLEUM AT HALICARNASSUS,COLUSSUS OF RHODES, AND LIGHTHOUSE OF ALEXANDRIA." The next question that may be asked is how are these wonders important? These wonders paved the way for modern architecture, sculpting and even art. Although majority of the structures perished techniques developed back then are still being used.
Inventions and Techniques that challenge and amaze us even now paved the way for modern technologies. We have adopted their traditions and cultures which encouraged developments in art, for instance Fideus the creator of the largest ever created the sculpture of Zues  that stood as tall as a four story building encouraged the creation of the sculpture of President Lincoln. Also we have also adopted portrait which according to the oxford dictionary means a representation or impression of language or a person eg. the MonaLisa. If you take a walk down Manhattan you are bombarded with  persons on street corners begging to do your portrait. Papyrus is a thick paperlike material used to make ropes, sandals, baskets and mats, its becuase of this material some of our questiions about the greek architecture were answered.  Even as we modernize these techniques the general idea remains the same.
Architecture is one of the main  techniques used in ancient times, we see the moseleum, the pyramids, the lighthouse, the temple and the collussus. They won praises for their notable features and their unforgettable artistry. The architectural features have "surpassed expiration dates and were imitated throughout the Hellenistic world and beyond. "The Greek influence in Roman culture, and the revival of Greco-Roman artistic styles during the Renaissance caught the imagination of European artists and travelers. Paintings and sculptures alluding to Antipater's list were made, while adventurers flocked to the actual sites to personally witness the wonders. Legends circulated to further complement the superlatives of the wonders. (extracted from wikipedia).   Canon the greek word for measuring rod which refers to the general law or criterion for which judge. In the video series we saw how the ruler of Hellicarnassus the creator of the mausoleum was judged for marrying his sister also today if a persons behavior does not follow societal norms they are judged eg. same sex marriages.  
As humans evolve and become more mature so does the technique of our greek ancestors evolve, no longer do we have to use pulleys and cranes made out of rope, no longer do we depend on drawings of the blue print but the computer does it and most importantly we do not have to take fifty years to complete a structure. Let us give praises to FIDEUS who pushed against the barriers of height and design in sculptures,  to Satyros and Pythius who designed the mausoleum and the many others who contributed to the creation of "The Seven Wonders of the World". Never should we stop visiting our greek past seeking the complete creative details of these structures, not only has it paved the way for artist who came before but also for artist of the future and those of the present. I am of the view that art would be less exciting, innovative and creative if the greeks did not push against impossibility. Therefore art would not mean the same thing to artist and art lovers if it wasn't influenced by the greeks.
Works Cited:
^ Anon. 1993The Oxford Illustrated Encyclopirst Edition Oxford:Oxford University
^ "History of the Past: World History".
^ "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — Part II".
^ The New Encyclopædia Britannica Micropædia Volume 10. USA: Encyclopædia Britannica.
^ a b c "The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World". Retrieved 2009-09-14.
^ Paul Lunde (May/June 1980). "The Seven Wonders". Saudi Aramco World.
^ Clayton, Peter and Price, Martin: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
http://homepages.bw.edu/ilr/Spring%202011%20Courses/Spring%202011%20Pics/07