Sunday, December 15, 2013

Intersession Assignments January 2014

Watch the Video The Private Lives of Medieval Kings
and complete discussion board post Due WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8TH.

Read Chapter 19 and complete corresponding WKBK pages. Bring to me at MASS or drop by room 322 ... WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15TH

Read Chapter 20 and complete corresponding WKBK pages. Bring to me at MASS or drop by room 322 ... WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22ND

Read Chapter 21 and complete corresponding WKBK pages. Bring to me at MASS or drop by room 322 ... WEDNESDAY JANUARY 29TH

FOR FUTURE PLANNING...

Read Chapter 22 and complete corresponding WKBK pages. DUE IN CLASS... THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6TH

Friday, December 13, 2013

Great Video

Nova: Building the Great Cathedrals


Watch the video to gain more insight into the architectural masterpieces and the people who made them!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

APAH Assignment...since we had no class today due to RETREAT

Go to the Middle Ages page of the class website.

Download the document title APAHVideoParadiseFound

Watch the video

Complete the worksheet

Turn in Monday 12-9-13 BEFORE SCHOOL!

Monday, December 2, 2013

Middle Ages...TAPESTRIES at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC

IN 2012 the National Gallery had an exhibition titled:
The Invention of Glory: Afonso V and the Pastrana Tapestries

We are lucky to be able to view portions of the exhibition on the museum's website. The tapestries that were on display were restored prior to the exhibition. They "commemorate the conquest of two strategically located cities in Morocco by the king of Portugal, Afonso V".

You can view the wall panels by following this link
.

hhhhh

Middle Ages....KInghts and Their Armor

The Middle Ages was a time of conflict as regional communities were developing but needed to protect their assets. The armor worn by knights was functional, it kept them alive. The armor also had the potential to be decorative, some were embellished with crests and other key symbols.

The Detroit Institute of Arts has an example of a GOTHIC ARMOR.

The DIA Website also has additional "pieces" of armor that can be viewed.

A FASCINATING 2009 Exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC was titled THE ART OF POWER. This exhibition displayed Royal Armor from Imperial Spain. Browse the online collection for a virtual tour
of the past exhibition.

Middle Ages...TAPESTRIES at the Met

Tapestries were more than functional wall coverings during the Middle Ages. Yes, the did keep the interiors of buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter; but, they were more than that. Tapestries were decorative. Some told a tale.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a detailed collection of European Tapestries and an explanation of their Patronage during the Middle Ages (1400-1600).

The Unicorn Tapestries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York "are among the most beautiful and complex works of art from the late Middle Ages that survive".

Since we cannot go to the Met to see the tapestries "live" while we are studying the Middle Ages. Take a few minutes to explore the Met's website
and view the multimedia content and learn more about this fascinating group of 6 tapestries from the Netherlands!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

UNIT 4 Middle Ages + Romanesque and Gothic

Read Chapter 11 and 16 and complete WKBK pages for Tuesday 11-19-13

Read Chapters 12, 13 and complete WKBK pages for Monday 11-25-13

Read Chapters 17 and 18 and complete WKBK pages ...due Tuesday 12-3-13


Discussion Questions to upload to turnitin.com:
Chapter 11:2, 5 DUE 11-21-13
Chapter 16: 2 DUE 11-24 NOON
Chapter 12: 3,4 DUE 11-27-13
Chapter 13: 5 DUE 12-4-13
Chapter 17: 1,6 DUE 12-7-13
Chapter 18: 3,8,9,10 DUE 12-11-13




+++ Museum Catalog (1314MCMiddleAges)and document titled Saints and Their attributes is posted on the Middle Ages PAGE of the Class website. Print BOTH and Turn in on Friday 12-13-13. Give yourself TIME to complete this ... you need several hours.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Classmate's Blogs...BET Project

The BET project must be turned in on 11-15-13. Presentations will be Monday and Tuesday 11-18 and 11-19.

Please go to the August 29th Blog Post (look at the Archive under August ... post titled Classmates' Blogs ... for quick navigation) and read your peers' blogs in preparation for their presentation. Your peers will present KNOWING you read the posts.

EACH test we have Semester 2 will include some TEST QUESTIONS that are from this section/your peers' presentations.

Information for UNIT 4 Middle Ages will be posted by 11-10-13.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Art Siezed by the Nazi Party During WWII on Display in London

A new exhibition at London's National Gallery of Art, Facing the Modern: The Portrait in Vienna in 1900, is causing a bit of controversy. One of the artworks that is drawing some controversy is an unfinished 1917 painting by Klimt, Amalie Zuckerkandi. Klimt was working on this artwork when he passed away in 1918. Legal wranglings about restitution of this artwork have taken center stage in courts for a number of years. The painting was the property of Jewish sugar baron Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer who fled Austria during WWII. His home was looted while he was away in Zurich.

To read more about the restitution controversy click here for a Story from The Independent.

To read more about the exhibition, read the story on Aljazeera America
.



Saturday, October 19, 2013

Interesting scholarsip about the Etruscan Culture

Archaeologists recently found a rock cut tomb of what they believed to be an Etruscan prince. After further investigation, it appears this is the TOMB of a FEMALE!

Read the article OOPS! Etruscan Warrior Prince Really a Princessto find out more details.

Friday, October 18, 2013

TWO Interesting APAH related stories

Take a few minutes to read the story about POLLUTION damaging the frescoes in the SISTINE CHAPEL. Taking care of the environment is becoming more and more of a priority each day!

A fascinating website was created that details the October 2012 theft
of 7 valuable artworks from a museum in Rotterdam.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Restoration of the GHENT ALTARPIECE

The Ghent Altarpiece has been through a lot since its creation in the 1400s. A victim of the Holocaust, taken apart and stored in a salt cellar by the Nazi regime, it survives as an enduring symbol of strength today.

The world is not being denied access to the Ghent Altarpiece during restoration, the process is being completed behind glass so all can view!

What an honor for the conservator, to have the chance to touch history and preserve it for years to come. If you love Art History and Chemistry, perhaps you too could work with history as a conservator someday! To read more about the restoration process, read the Art Daily.org story.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

UNIT 3 Aegean...Greece...etruscan...Rome + BET Project Renminders

DUE DATES:


10-17-13 Active Read Chapter 4 and complete WKBK
10-18-13 Complete CH 4 DQ 1 and 5


REMEMBER OCTOBER 15th Deadline for BET first 2 blogs! (Document: 1314BETBLOGS)


10-21-13 Upload CH 5 DQ 1
10-22-13 Active Read GREECE (it is LONG so you have a while to do this!) and turn in WKBK pages
10-23-13 Upload CH 5 DQ 5 and 7
10-26-13 Upload Ch 5 DQ 8 and 9

10-31-13 Active Read Chapter 9 and complete WKBK, have Getty Museum video discussion board topics completed

11-4-13 Active Read Chapter 10 and complete WKBK

REMINDER...second TWO blog Posts for BET PROJECT Due today...when submitted, email me the URL!

11-7-13 upload CH 10 DQ 1 and 4

11-8-13 FIELD TRIP

11-9-13 upload CH 10 DQ 7

TEST 11-14-13 Museum Catalog on Aegean to Rome page of class website. This includes the essay portion of your test. Give this SEVERAL HOURS. Document 1314MCAegeanRome.

REMINDER - BET Project Due 11-15-13
, Presentations begin next class day
...as of now that is 11-18-13...unless there is a change in schedule!

Monday, October 7, 2013

An ARTICLE that is making the rounds on Social Media...

The story How to Recognize Famous Painters According to the Internet is a GREAT article about broad sweeping generalizations to use to discern the artist or genre of an unfamiliar work.

This article provides a good base from which one can start to make educated guesses when they encounter a work they have never seen before. Having board knowledge about artists and genres will help making educated guesses later. All of the artists whose work is pictured here are FAMOUS artist...you are looking at lesser known works ... in an effort to challenge your thinking.



Obtaining art through LEGAL means

Recently The Art Newspaper had an article about the Metropolitan Museum of Art recently returning two sculptures to Cambodia that were looted over 20 years ago.

Art restitution from looting and Nazi pogroms lead to many artworks not being held by rightful owners after WWII. The courts are doing their best to return property to its rightful owner.

This article is the FIRST I have encountered about looting in Cambodia. The looting in Koh Kur was a result of civil war in the 1970s. The looting and destruction of palaces and temples continued in Cambodia until 2006.

Read more on the above link to learn about Cambodia's struggle to recover its cultural heritage! The Plain Dealer
in Cleveland has an article about the artwork they have in their possession that is being sought. The kneeling Hindu monkey goddess has been on exhibition in Cleveland since 1982.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

The Discovery Channel Documentary chronicles the Ancient Wonders of the world and their influence on the world today. Watch the video to discover how technologically advanced our ancestors were!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Beyond the European Tradition Project

Posted on the BET page of the class website as 1314BETBLOG

Read the instructions...Monday we will have time to as questions in class!

NOTE: there are 3 separate deadlines for the project to help you not save everything for the last minute...

October 15th

November 5th
November 15th

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Qing Dynasty Paintiing

An exhibition, Beauty Revealed: Images of Women in Qing Dynasty Chinese Painting, recently opened at the UC Berkeley Art Museum.

The exhibit depicts Chinese painting unlike works from previous eras. Evidence of western art is shown in the one point perspective and use of bold colors.

The exhibition is organized to show women in various venues: home, garden, brothel, and bath.

For more information, visit the museum's website.

Friday, September 20, 2013

UNit 2 Beyond the European Tradition

Since I started INDIA before test #1 ... you will go BACK to that section....

CHINA
Block Day 9-26
Read Chapter 7 and complete WKBK pages
By THURSDAY NIGHT...Discussion Question 6 uploaded to turnitin.com. Write down the question since you will be turning in the wkbk pages!

Monday 9-30
Read Chapter 26 and complete WKBK pages for Chapter 27

Tuesday 10-1
Discussion Question Chapter 27 #'s 3 and 1 uploaded to turnitin.com

Wednesday 10-2
Chapter 27 Looking Carefully Uploaded to turnitin.com

JAPAN:
Block Day 10-3 Read Chapter 8 and complete WKBK pages

Monday 10-7 Read Chapter 27 and complete wkbk pages for chapter 28

Tuesday 10-8 Chapter 8 DQ 2 and 3 uploaded to turnitin.com

Wednesday 10-9 Chapter 8 DQ 5 and Chapter 28 DQ 4 uploaded to turnitin.com

INDIA
Friday 10-11 up[loaded to turnitin.com
Read Chapter 7 and complete DQ 5
Read Chapter 25 and complete Ch 26 DQ 4

TEST and MC on Tuesday 10-15-13
MC will be uploaded by 9/23/13. A hyperlink to the document will be placed here at that time. POSTED 9:27 PM on Beyond the European Tradition page of class website - titled 1314BETMC






Thursday, September 19, 2013

Museums SET to OPEN in America

If you do not have an opportunity to view artwork in its original location, a museum is the best place to go! Architects in recent years have started constructing museums to be works of art in an among themselves. Frank Gehry is the architect that comes to mind as the embodiment of such a concept. When one views Gehry's masterpieces, they are in AWE!when walks INTO one of his masterpieces, they are in AWE of the treasures contained within the carefully designed walls!
(The building pictured here is The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, a health care facility and not a museum.)

One museum that is in the application for permit process is the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum in the San Francisco Bay Area. The vision for this museum is to be a Beaux Arts style building to house digital arts and traditional arts under one roof. According to the article, the building will be pitched to Chicago if the Bay Area does not approve it.

The ASPEN ART MUSEUM is set to open in August of 2014. The building is a take on the Center Pompidou in Paris as it appears to be turned inside out!

The renowned architect Renzo Piano, creator of the Center Pompidou in Paris and the California Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park, is working on a renovation and expansion of Harvard University's Art Museum. Details of the project to be completed in the fall of 2014 can be found here.

Philanthropist Eli Broad just watched a museum bearing his name be constructed at his alma mater, Michigan State University. He is giving back to his adopted home town and commissioning a new museum, The Brodd, for Los Angeles. The building, perhaps inspired by a honeycomb, opens in 2014.

Museums themselves are becoming works of art. It appears that architects are trying to create a lasting work of art to hose the lasting works art on display.

Include these new museums in your 2014 travel plans! Perhsps I will see you there!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Completing our Egypt Studies

we left off at 14 minutes on the Video: Egypt's Golden Empire - Pharaohs of the Sun

Complete the video tonight - take notes - respond to the turnitin.com discussion board.

UNIT 1 TEST Tuesday 9-24-13

BLOCK DAY IN CLASS - THURSDAY THIS WEEK - we move on to INDIA. I will post UNIT 2 assignments by the end of the week. NOTHING for UNIT 2 will be due until after Unit 1 yest.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

HOMEWORK...ADD ons for UNIT 1 .... PLUS TEST INFO for UNIT 1

I created TWO Discussion Boards on turnitin.com.

Please watch Engineering an Empire Persia (starting with section 3) and complete the discussion board after you watch. I suggest you take notes as you go!
Submit your response by Sunday night...9-15-13

Watch Egypt's Golden Empire - Pharaohs of the Sun and take notes. Complete the discussion board by TUESDAY 9-17-13.

UNIT 1 TEST:
Tuesday 9-24-13
Multiple Choice and Short Answer

You will need to create a MUSEUM CATALOG for UNIT 1 ... the start of a study guide/book that will be compiled this year. You can use the MC on your test. Only the information REQUIRED will be included in your MC. I am modifying the MC from previous years and will have the 1314MCUnit1 Posted by Friday 9-13-13 on the Early Civilizations page of the class website.

THursday 9-12-13

Today we discussed HOW TO WRITE LIKE AN ART HISTORIAN.

1. Start with a thesis...make it specific (CLAIM)
2. Support your thesis with evidence (describe elements/sections of the art/architecture that supports your claim) (DATA)
3. Analyze/Interpret how the data supports the claim (WARRANT)

DESCRIPTION IS KEY!

We continued discussing Chapters 1-3

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Marc Chagall

An exhibition of Marc Chagall's work from the WWII era will be on exhibition at the Jewish Museum in New York from September 15, 2013 until February 2, 2014. To see more images from the exhibition and read more about the show, follow this link.

The artwork on display reflects Chagall's response to the Nazi persecution of Jews in Europe. Chagall spent the war years between Paris and New York. His characteristic style of bright colors, very much like a stained glass window, and "Russion Christian icon tradition" are evident in hos work from this period. The symbolism he uses in this period reflects displacement and Jewish heritage. The viewer can see disappointment and a sense of longing when looking at the images "floating" through the images.


Visit the Jewish Museum's website to learn more...or take the time to SEE the exhibition of the great master's work in person!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Risks of LOANING Artwork Between Museums

A recent article explains the National Gallery of London's stance on loaning artworks; the are hesitant to loan artworks.

The author of the article explains that artworks can be damaged as they are brought down off the wall. Depending on the age of the painting, as well as the quality of the framing, the artwork may break apart from the frame or crack when it is removed from where it rested on the wall, perhaps rested for decades!

As time goes by and artworks age, mother nature makes them more fragile. To continue the tradition of traveling exhibitions and reuniting collections , a method will need to be developed to ensure safety for the artwork that will travel to another location. If not, the days of traveling exhibitions may come to an end.

A very interesting scholarly report is attached in PDF form. Take a moment to read the author's opinion about "moving artwork". What is YOUR opinion?
ArtWatch UK Journal 22, Autumn 2007
Blockbuster Exhibitions: the Hidden Costs and Perils
A Report, in Honour of James Beck
By Michael Daley and Michael Savageat attached in PDF form.


The article takes a TURN and begins to discuss the concept of restoration. The debate in restoration is do you allow the work to age or do you bring it back to its original state? At this moment, until I learn more, I am on the side of allowing an artwork to age; let nature be the only "one" that works on the painting after the artist. What is YOUR opinion?

Stonehenge ... Recent Scholarship

In an article published Sunday, September 8, 2013 in the Raw Story, readers learn that historians have found missing pieces of Stonehenge to confirm that "it was built along an ice age landform that happened to be on the solstice axis".

The article explains that the historians have found evidence that the circles were once complete.

The new discoveries prove to the people of today that out ancestors were concerned with time and how it not only related to the cycle of the day but also the daylight. This knowledge allows modern humans to better understand how ancient people thrived with few tools and possessions. They understood the natural world better than most people today.

Technology MEETS Art...

I read an interesting article online the other day. National Geographic has an article titled Technology Sheds Light on 6 Great Art Mysteries that is worth taking a few minutes to read.

It is amazing to "see" the thought process of the artist come alive through infrared reflectography. Technology allows us to "see" the reality...artists sometimes recycled canvasses and artists changed their minds while working on a composition.

Art teachers always tell students that THERE ARE NO MISTAKES IN ART. Technology shows that adage is true. Even great masters worked and reworked their compositions until they were satisfied!

Current technology unravels for us the mysteries of art created before our time. One can only imagine where future technological breakthroughs will take the art world!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Easter Island

Easter Island, located over 2,000 miles off the west coast of Chile, is considered the world's most isolated inhabited island.

The island was supposedly first inhabited by Polynesian people who gave it the name Rapa Nui. The native people are best know for the MOAL, collossial heads carved out of volcanic rock and placed along the coastline.

The Dutch first encountered the island on Easter Sunday, thus giving it that name, in 1722. The island has remained relatively isolated since that time. The culture provides people of today with a glimpse into human history, as does the lifestyle and traditions of the Australian Aborigines.

Recent archaeological discoveries have found BODIES that accompany the heads. Mail Online published an article in May of 2012 that explains the statues were constructed with a purpose. There is evidence the construction was done on location and the statues were MEANT to stand upright. The dirt that has covered the bodies for years looks to be there due to natural erosion and weathering, rather than put there to support the statues.

The Easter Island Statue Project
chronicles the archaeological discovery. The archaeologists have found petroglyph writings on the statues. Only some of the statues have writings on them. Could this denote rank? Could this have been for ritual purposes?

The question remains...WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE WHO CREATED SUCH IMMENSE STATUES? WHY WERE THEY CONSTRUCTED? Archaeologists and art historians keep seeking clues to find an answer, Until then, it is only conjecture.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Classmate's Blog's

Art Throughout the Ages

How Architecture has Influenced the World

Sean's Art Throughout History Blog

Art of Ancient Civilizations

Art History

Ryan's AP Art History Blog

Jakob Vazquez APAH

Blaise Rodgers Lynch APAH Blog

A New Perspective on Ancient Art

Thanks for setting them up today. YOU CAN change the templates at any time! See me if you have questions. We will START to USE these in the next few weeks!

UNIT 1 : Intro-Chapter3

Due Tuesday September 3:
Active Read Chapter 1 and complete WKBK pages 5-6-7
Answer Discussion Question #3 on page 8 - your response will be typed - submit to turnitin.com (Start your answer by rephrasing the question into a STATEMENT). REMEMBER...1 idea/topic/concept per paragraph!

Due Thursday 9/5
Active Read Chapter 2: pages 31-40 (Start of Chapter through the end of the Sumerian section). Complete corresponding workbook pages.

Due Sunday 9-8-13 (uploaded to turnitin.com by 10 PM)
Discussion Question #1 page 16

Due Monday 9-9-13
Have finished active reading chapter 2 and completed corresponding wkbk pages

Due Thursday 9-12-13
Active Read Chapter 3 from start through the end of the MIDDLE KINGDOM section.Complete corresponding wkbk pages

Due Sunday 9-15-13 (uploaded to turnitin.com by 10 PM)
Discussion Question #5

Due Monday 9-15-13:
Active read the rest of Chapter 3 and complete corresponding wkbk pages

UNIT 1 TEST: Tuesday 9-23-13
Multiple Choice/Short Answer Format






Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Tuesday August 27, 2013

If you did not register at www.turnitin.com do so tonight!

Homework due Thursday:
Read the Intro from Volume 1 and 2 of the text...
Complete Volume 1 WKBK pages:
Page 1 - Terminology Review
Page 2 and 3 ALL

Volume 2 WKBK:
Pages 5-6 Architectural Review

Definitions will be found in the reading AS well as in the glossary at the end of the book.

Bring your VOLUME 1 WKBK to class EVERY DAY...along with your binder

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Welcome to 2013-2014 AP Art History

Over the course of the year we will travel through time and space. We will learn to look at the world through the lens of an ART HISTORIAN. As we learn history through a study of art and artifacts left behind, we will learn to DESCRIBE, ANALYZE, INTERPRET, AND JUDGE. We will learn the vocabulary of an Art Historian to use in our discussion and written work.

The hard work will pay off in May 2014 when you take the AP TEST!

Friday, April 26, 2013

REVIEW...and HELP end HUNGER

www.freerice.com

Under the headings famous paintings and world landmarks you will find good review questions

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Renoir Movie

Starts Friday 4-26-13 at Landmark Theaters - La Jolla Village Center

BONUS opportunity - see the movie and bring in tickets. Share with class what you learned about the artist and era.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

AP TEST PREP ... DROP IN DATES

Stop by if you wish ... 7 AM

Tuesday 4-23
Thursday 4-25
Friday 4-26

Monday-Friday week of 4-29

Monday May 6th

TEST DAY BEFORE SCHOOL AND BLOCK 1 ... WE DO NOT OFFICIALLY HAVE CLASS BUT I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU IF YOU WISH TO REVIEW/USE BOOKS IN CLASSROOM

Friday, April 12, 2013

Joseph Eichler, a real estate developer with innovate ideas!

Joseph Eichler was responsible for new home construction in California from the late 1940s to the mid 1970s.

Eichler did not have a background as an architect but he built a successful home building business. He hired architects to apply Frank Lloyd Wright's "green ideas" to planned communities. According to About.com, an Eichler home is said to be a one-story home that consists of:

Post-and-beam construction
Concrete slab foundation
Long front facade with attached carport
An open-air courtyard at the entrance
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Sliding glass doors
Radiant heat in the floors
Exposed ceiling beams

This home style is reminiscent of an ANCIENT ROMAN home as it includes an open-air courtyard. Roman homes included this area as a place to greet and entertain visitors. The open-air portion of the home was for the public while the covered interior was for the private portions of the family's life.

The Frank Loyd Wright feel of an Eichler home is the integration with the environment. The many windows give the impression that the living space and the environment share a seamless transition into one another.

Eichler's homes were considered affordable middle-class family homes in the mid-century. Many of the 11,000 homes he constructed were located in California. Organizations have emerged that promote the restoration of these modernist homes. One such organization is The Eichler Network.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Upcoming Assignments



Discussion Questions:
CH 33 DQ 4 and 5 4-10-13
Ch 34 DQ 1 4-14-13
CH 34 DQ 6 and 11 4-18-13

Stuart Collection Project 4-15-13

Remember...artist/Architect presentation due the FIRST class day of April and May. Turn in your rubric with your written report.

Museum Catalogs posted on Chapter 28-34 Page of Class Website
Test Chapters 28/29 + BET (Africa) + 28/29 MC on 4-18-13
Test Chapters 33/34 + BET (Americas) + 33/34 MC on 4-25-13

Architecture MC due 4-30-13


REMEMBER ... to get credit for a bonus, all work must be completed.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

A SPARK of Environmental Art

The April 2013 issue of the Smithsonian Magazine has an article about the artist Cai Guo-Qiang. Until I read this article I was unaware of this man and his mastery of his technique, pyrotechnics. According to the article, “he may be the only artist in human history who has had some one billion people gaze simultaneously at one of his artworks…the worldwide televised ‘fireworks sculpture’ …[he] created for the Beijing Olympics in 2008”. The article goes into depth about the man Cai Guo-Qiang and what inspires him to create his masterworks.

The more I read about this artist, I was drawn to how he gets the viewer to look at nature through a different lens. His fireworks encourage people to gaze into the sky and view not only the dazzling lights but also contemplate the sky and its unadulterated beauty.

Like many artists, and many people, he has emotional baggage he carries around with him. The artist is in his 50s but vividly recalls his father’s stories of oppression under Mao Zedong. His father was an intellectual and, secretly, burned his books at night so he would not be caught possessing literature, as it was seen as a threat. The loss of his cherished books, and ability to freely seek knowledge threw his father into a depression. He started to create calligraphy in puddles, works of art they were literary based, but temporary. They were easily washed away so there would be no evidence he was a rebel. Cai Guo-Qiang follows in his father’s footsteps. His art lives on via photographs and video, but is temporary and experienced best in the moment in which it is made.

Other artists have created temporary works of art that are captured in film for posterity. One ENVIRONMENTAL artist mentioned in the article includes Robert Smithson. Another that comes to mind is the husband and wife duo Christo and Jean Claude. Environmental artists cause us to look at nature, to really look. They challenge the viewer to appreciate a rock for what it is, an irregularly shaped object that is as unique as a snowflake. They challenge the viewer to be mindful of the wind and its presence in our lives. In an era where we are looking to recycle, reduce our carbon footprint, and find ways to be “green”, perhaps it is time to heed the call of these environmental artists. We need to appreciate nature’s beauty. If enough people can cultivate an appreciation for nature, rather than take it for granted, perhaps more people will take steps to preserve its beauty. The power of the masses will destroy or beautify the natural world. As an art historian, I call for a preservation, and perhaps restoration, of nature’s beauty!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Monday, March 25, 2013

Before BREAK...

quiz on 21-24 ...focus 24 and Africa is Wednesday 3-27-13

Discussion Questions for the rest of the semester were posted on the previous post

Due Dates Posted on Turnitin.com (3-20-13) and will be on SOTW by 3-27-13:
CH 28 DQ 2 and 2A 4-2-13
Ch 28 DQ 7 4-4-13
CH 29 DQ 3 4-4-13
CH 29 DQ 7 and 10 4-6-13
CH 33 DQ 4 and 5 4-10-13
Ch 34 DQ 1 4-14-13
CH 34 DQ 6 and 11 4-18-13

TWO discussion BOARDS must be completed over break...The videos for both are on the Videos page of the class website


Remember...artist/Architect presentation due the FIRST class day of April and May. Turn in your rubric with your written report.

Test Chapters 28/29 + BET + 28/29 MC on 4-18-13
Test Chapters 33/34 + BET + 33/34 MC on 4-25-13


REMEMBER ... to get credit for a bonus, all work must be completed.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Discussion Questions

Chapter 28 DQ 2
In what way does Rousseau's statement"Man is born free, but everywhere in chains" reflect the premises of ROMANTICISM? Select three images that you think illustrate this view and explain why they do.

Chapter 28 DQ 2A
Select two images you think illustrate the influence of VOLTAIRE and two that illustrate the influence of DIDEROT, describe the features of that that reflect their thought.

Chapter 28 DQ 7
Discuss the differences in approach to the depiction of landscape in the works of POUSSIN (ch 24), RUISDALE (ch 24), CANALETTO, TURNER, CONSTABLE, COLE, BIERSTADT, CHURCH, and FRIEDRICH.

Chapter 29 DQ 3
Compare Eakin's Gross Clinic with Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp and Hawes and Southworth's Early Operation under Ether. What medium has each used, and how does the medium influence the artwork?

Chapter 29 DQ 7
Discuss the main contribution made by each of the major Post-Impressionists. In what ways are their works a continuation of historical artistic traditions?

Chapter 29 DQ 10
In what sense is the slogan "form follows function" accurate or inaccurate in a summary description of the majority of today's architecture? For example, in answering this question consider buildings not only discussed in this chapter but in our local community.

Chapter 33 DQ 4
Discuss Picasso's statement, "I paint forms as I think them, not as i see them," How does the CUBIST conception of space differ from that held during the Renaissance?

Chapter 33 DQ 5
Concern with social issues is apparent in the works of many twentieth century artists, including Mukhina, Lawrence, Beckmann, Kollwitz, Lange, Orozco, Tatlin, and Berlach. Identify the issue that was addressed in each work and the stylistic means the artist used to express that concern. Which doe you think is most effective in its time, and now?

Chapter 34 DQ 1
What European political events and artistic movements influenced the development of American Abstract Expressionism? How?

Chapter 34 DQ 6
Compare Bacon's Painting and Wojnarowicz's "When I put my hands on your body". What attitudes toward society does each represent, and how is each reflective of its time?

Chapter 34 DQ 11
In what ways does the work of 20th century African-American artists Lawrence and Ringold differ from that of 19th century African-American artist Tanner. Discuss BOTH the style AND subject matter of each artist.



Monday, March 11, 2013

Chapter 24 DQs

24 DQ 5
In what ways do the works and lives of Rembrandt and Rubens reflect the different social and religious orientations of 17th Century Flanders and Holland?

24 DQ 8
Discuss the relative balance between Baroque and Renaissance features in the following buildings: the east facade of the Louvre, the Church of the Invalides in Paris, the Banqueting House at Whitehall, and St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

24 DQ 12
Compare the ceiling paintings of Tiepolo with those of Mantegna, Veronese, Correggio, Caracci, Pietro da Cortona, and Pozzo. Which is CLOSEST to his work. What features DO THEY SHARE?

Friday, March 1, 2013

BONUS OPPORTUNITIES

The following are Bonus Opportunities I know of...if you find out about others, tell me so I can share OR reply ALL to one of the group emails I send and let us know that way!

San Diego Museum of Art Teen Art Cafe
Wednesday 3-13-13

San Diego Museum of Art Lectures
Alternative Accounts Saturday 3-16
The Art of Appraisal Monday 3-18
The Museum Experience Sunday 3-24

Family Drop-In Days
Sundays from 1-3 PM

Pompidou Workshop Various weekend dates in March

Symposium: Piranesi, Rome, and the Arts of Design
3-30-13


Museum of Contemporary Art
Art Lab
3-3-13
Teen Create Lab Saturday 3-9


*** Always check with the museum to see what programs require preregistration and if there is a fee.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Stuart Collection at UCSD

Visit the Stuart Collection at UCSD. The newest of the 18 installation is Fallen Star by Do Ho Suh. Each site specific work add to the beautiful Eucalyptus lined campus.

Site specific installations are intriguing. Knowing they were created for the location in which they are placed and you get to view them, allows the viewer to get into the mind of the artist. When I encounter site specific artwork I start to think about what the artist must have been thinking in the creative process. I wonder if I am taking away from the artwork what the artist wished me to take away after my viewing experience.I wonder if I REALLY saw what I was supposed to see or if I overlooked something? I wonder if I over analyzed and was just to have experienced rather than thought about it.

Many cities have site specific sculptures located in public parks, downtown office buildings, and in airports. Next time you see one, don;t just walk by ... encounter it!


Class Assignment linked to the homepage of the class website - due no later than 4-15-13.

Class Monthly Artist Presentations/Report

I attached the rubric for the Class Artist Presentations on the HOMEPAGE of the class website.

The due date is the FIRST day of class for MARCH, APRIL, and MAY

Illuminated Manuscripts

Illuminated Manuscripts are made in great abundance during the Middle Ages and Early Renaissance. These texts provided an opportunity for the faithful to connect with the messages of the gospels. The images allowed those who were illiterate to remember the stories they heard. The manuscripts also allowed the faithful who came to Mass to sing the same hymns and follow along, unifying the people in attendance.

The BBC created a great Series on Illuminated Manuscripts and puts them in cultural contest. Watch the video to see the rich color of the images and go back in time to the era in which they were made. Watch a second BBC video about the Private Lives of Medieval Kings ... a story told through Illuminated Manuscripts.

The links are on the Ch. 20 Page of the class website.

Complete Discussion Board Response on Turnitin.com by 3-4-13

Test Chapters 19 and 20

The MC for EACH chapter is located on the Chapter's Page of the class website

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

TEST... Block Day 2-28-13
*** You may also use your workbooks on the test ***

Monday, February 11, 2013

Altneuschul in Prague

Prague's Altnueschul (Old-New Synagogue) is the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe. The building from the late 13th century reflects the geometric regularity that was a cornerstone of GOTHIC CONSTRUCTION. This is an adaptation of the GOTHIC HALL church for a non-Christian purpose. It differs from Christian churches as it does not "Seek Height and Light". The vaults are of equal height.

The schematic design shows the compartmentalization of the building. There was a central focal point to house th4e TORAH and an elevated platform for the rabbi to read from it. The building was considered a place for PRAYER as well as a COMMUNAL gathering place for learning. There was ONE entrance, opposite the wall that faced Jerusalem. Candles and 12 windows lit the way around the building.

Look at Sacred Destinations


for more about the building.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

San Diego de Alcala by Pedro de Mena

The San Diego Museum of Art recently acquired the sculpture by the Spanish Baroque master. As of February 9th it will be on view in the European Galleries of the San Diego Museum of Art.

A lecture about this piece will be held at 10:30 AM on 2-9-13.

Attend this lecture to learn more about the acquisition of the sculpture from the

curators!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

February and March BONUS Opportunities

As always...call the museum to confirm the programs are still being held as planned...

San Diego Museum of Art

Saturday 2-9-13 1:00 PM
Second Saturday Workshop: Landscape Painting

Free educator led Family Workshops in JOURNEY THROUGH THE CITY every Saturday and Sunday
Drop-in schedule: Saturday 1-2:30 and 3:30-5:00, Sunday 3:30-5:00
Workshop Theme: Transporting the Public

Journey Through the City: Building for Participation (current issues in urban planning will be discussed in relation to to this exhibit)
Wednesday 2-13-13
6:30 PM Reception
7:00 Lecture

Drawing in the Gallerias
Temple, Palace, Mosque Friday 2-15-13 2:00-4:00
Art of East Asia Friday 3-1-13 2:00-4:00

Teen Art Cafe
Wednesday 2-13-13
6:00-8:00 PM
Journeying Through the City

MINGEI Museum...
Film: Walking in the Shadows of Bill Traylor
Monday 2-11-13 6:00-7:30



Upcoming Assignments in February

Read Chapter 19 for Monday 2-11-13
Complete Discussion Questions (turnitin.com) #1 and 5

Read Chapter 20 for Thursday 2-14-13
Complete Discussion Questions (turnitin.com) #3, #7

Read Chapter 21 for Tuesday 2-19-13
Complete Discussion Questions (turnitin.com) #2, #5, #9

Read Chapter 22 for Monday 2-25-13
Complete Discussion Questions (turnitin.com) #1, #2, #3, and #6

The rest of teh month will be finalized here by Thursday 2-7-13

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

The Garden of Earthly Delights


Today we watched a BBC videoo (if you were in class we left off at 47 minutes). If you missed class, come by to get the WS ... the assignment is due no later than Friday.

FYI - BET Presentations will be Thursday!

In order to appreciate this work of art as it was intended to be appreciated, one must take themselves back to the era in which it was created. We CANNOT interpret it from a 2013 lens and do the artwork justice. Although Bosch did not date many of his paintings, this work has been attributed to the early 1500s...just prior to the Counter Reformation. The artwork contains images that defy reason. The symbolism is a moralizing tale that challenges the viewer to make choices...after being shown visual examples of VICES in action. He lets the viewer decide which path to follow...with scenes of The Garden of Eden and Hell flanking the center section displaying chaos and abnormality.



Detailed images of this enigmatic work can be found on The Hieronymous Bosch The Complete Works website.

Follow this link if you wish to read more about the symbolism of the artwork and the life of the artist.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Frank Gehry's Museum of Biodiversity in Panama: Panama Bridge of Life

Frank Gehry is one of the most innovative architects working today. His Museum of Biodiversity in Panama is one if his current innovative designs.

The building is Gehry's first project in Latin America reflecting 13 years of design and construction. It will open in 2013.

The building continues the style of Deconstructivism for which he is best known. Here he again uses a variety of materials to create organized chaos and a visually compelling exterior. The building itself IS a work of art.

Follow the link for more information about the Museum of Biodiversity.

Images of the interior of the museum can be found on the Bruse Mau Design site.

An article in the Panama Online Magazine

about the building.

Semester 2 Begins ....

Tuesday 2-5-13 we will watch a video

BLOCK DAY we will have student presentations based on the Beyond the European Tradition chapters you became an EXPERT on during Intersession

Friday we'll tie up loose ends from BET and move on to the EARLY RENAISSANCE next week.

Monday, January 7, 2013

January Bonus Opportunities

The San Diego Museum of Art has daily docent tours of the Behold American and Charles Reiffel Exhibits. The ones that work with our school schedule, the ones you could take advantage of are:
Sunday at 1:00 PM
Monday at 2:00 PM and Thursday at 1:00 PM (this works during Intersession this month)
Friday at 5:00 PM
Saturday at 2:00 PM

Temple, Palace, and Mosque:
Tuesday at 3:00 PM
Thursday at 2:00 PM

European Art before 1900
Monday at 1:00
Tuesday at 2:00

Contemporary Art
Tuesday at 1:00
Friday at 2:00

Drop-In Workshop January Theme: Adapting the Past
Saturday 1-2:30, 3:30-5:00
Sundays 3:30-5:00

Behold America Inspired Workshops:
Saturday January 12th

LECTURES:
The Chinese Influence on Japanese Landscape
Thursday January 31st at 1:00 PM

Symposium: Across the South of Asia
Friday January 18th-Sunday January 20th


The Timken Museum of Art
A Conversation with Artist Brain Ulrich
Thursday January 10th at 7:00 PM
$5.00 for students

*** These published dates and times could change...do call the museum before attending to make sure there are no LAST MINUTE changes!