Quiz Make Up #2

Art 21 Video Clip - Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman was an artist I had difficulty understanding. Her work was a major display at the MoMa.  Many people seemed mesmerized by her photographs and oversized portraits. Walking through her exhibit, did not impress me. The moment her name came up in the Art 21 series, I had to click and learn more.  

 It was interesting to learn that even as a young child, Cindy Sherman loved photographs and circled herself in every single one. Upon graduating from college, she decided to experience this all over again. Fascinated by photography and dressing up, she began to take many pictures of herself. I can artistically recognize is that Cindy Sherman can take on the role of anyone and literally transform herself. In my opinion she combines art, photography and theater.

Many, including myself, have criticized her work. The feeling many have is that she is ridiculing others, particularly women. Some of her portraits are a bit “over the top” to say the very least. However, she makes it clear that she was simply experimenting and her intention was not to poke fun at anyone. This made me respect Cindy Sherman. I saw a humbleness to her personality.

While she is not my favorite artist, I do like her still photography. She makes mention that they can symbolize something entirely different to everyone looking at them. For our final project, I included two pieces from that collection because they inspired emotion. It is artistic how she can communicate in one photograph emotions that can be interpreted in so many different ways…for that alone I can now admire her work.

Quiz Make Up #1

Art 21 Video Clip - Doris Salcedo

Thanks to my art class and upon visiting the MoMa, I had the pleasure of seeing the art work of Doris Salcedo. It made me extremely proud to see the work of a Latina artist on display. Of course as her name came up in Art 21, I was intrigued to learn more about her. Doris Salcedo speaks is such an eloquent and poetic manner that it moves you. She’s a storyteller whom you believe to have experienced the art pieces she puts together, yet has not. Her empathy is evident through her collaborative effort with her team of architects.

Watching the video, I remember walking through her display at the MoMa without realizing how precise, tedious and time consuming each piece was. Doris’s attention to detail is a symbol of her compassion to the victims she subtly brings to life. Every single work piece is accurate and precise. It is impacting how she can portray numerous emotions without the use of a single word.

All works discussed in the video were interesting and real. Doris Salcedo brings back the sadness of individual victims of violence, violence in third world countries, for example La Violencia (The Violence) in the 1980’s in Colombia. The piece she remade on the tragedy which occurred at the Palace of Justice was breathtaking. In one of her art works, she spent three years using hair as thread on a needle to sew through wood; this was a representation of the waste of lives during a massacre in Colombia.

After seeing the video, I walk away with a wonderful impression of this amazing woman. I look forward to seeing her art work throughout various venues. Doris Salcedo is an exemplary role model and true inspiration.

"Illustrate a Story"

Listening to this story immediately made my eyes fill with tears. My grandfather came to my mind immediately. The kind words with which Priya Morganstein and Bharani Jaroff describe their father in the interview are exactly the ones anyone in our family would use for Luis Alberto Flores, my “Abuelito” (grandpa).  My grandfather was a kind, hard-working, role model, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  His family was his biggest treasure and he always pushed for us to be together regardless of distance. He overemphasized family and when he saw us together his eyes glowed. This year will be 10 years since his passing and not one day goes by that we don’t remember him. The digital image is a collage of our family together like always. And as the family keeps growing, we keep adding to the tree. The image has a message in Spanish which reads:

To have lived giving love is extraordinary, but even more so is to have lived and passed away remaining unforgettable. For all the footprints you left behind…We love you!

 

Field Trip #5

Chelsea Galleries Reaction

            Visiting the various galleries in Chelsea was interesting to say the very least. As an art collector, my worry was if I did not sell these pieces could I actually live with them? Again the question of good art vs. bad art came up time and time again in my mind. In some galleries, those faces of admiration and appreciation appeared and I was tempted to ask what they saw that my eyes couldn’t. After visiting five galleries and speaking with a few people it was suggested to take a look at the Acquavella Gallery. This gallery catered more to my taste of paintings.

            The Lehmann Maupin Gallery was displaying the art work of Gilbert & George. The installation arrangement was done very well, but what was being represented quickly turned me away. Oddly, the room had a cold feel to it as well. There were printed posters covering every single wall and the first thought that came to mind was violence. The words that jumped off the posters turned out to be the title of each work. Some titles were “Death”, “Arrested” and “Man Dies” and “Playboy” just to name a few.

            As I turned to learn about the artists and exhibit, in huge lettering were the names of every single poster. The exhibit was entitled “London Picture”. They were all mystery and drama inspired. Gilbert & George were portraying London’s moods and that of a quotidian contemporary society. These posters all represented the daily urban life in London. These issues take place worldwide, yet in my opinion they could have transmitted the message differently; perhaps via a video montage. I dreaded the thought of not selling these posters and having them sit in a storage unit.

            Visiting the Greene Naftali Gallery gave me some tranquility. Rachel Harrison’s exhibit “The Help” contained beautiful art pieces with vibrant color. The drawings all portrayed her passion and the sculptures were set up along the middle making you feel like a part of the exhibit. While they still were not my absolute personal favorite, I was able to identify a market in which to sell them. Recreating the ambiance of the curator would be part of the challenge. The sketching in “Untitled, 2012” and “Untitled, 2011” were impressive to say the least. The artist used styrofoam in just about every sculpture; “Hokotoho, 2012” almost looked like a silhouette.

            The job of an art collector is certainly not easy and involves a lot of patience and attention to detail. Once a client base is organized, then one can begin to purchase specific pieces. Nonetheless, the field trip was fun and made you appreciate a day in the life of an art collector.

Viewed at the Lehmann Maupin Gallery

Gilbert & George

"London Picture"

2011

Viewed at the Green Naftali Gallery

Rachel Harrison

"The Help"

Specifically referenced:

"Hojotoho" 2012

"Untitled" 2011

"Untitled" 2012

Rachel Harrison

Project #5 You're the Curator! & Field Trip #6 Reaction

            Welcome to my online exhibit entitled “Emotion through Art in the Collection of the MoMa”.  It was important that the theme be warm, welcoming and an eye opener to various sections of the MoMa. My goal is that after viewers see this online exhibit, they will pursue to visit the various sections from which the art was selected from. The MoMa can certainly be overwhelming; however via this online exhibit you will have an opportunity to see various works from the Painting & Sculpture, Photography, Film, Prints & Illustrated Books and Drawings all a part of the MoMa’s permanent collection.

Pablo Picasso, "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon", 1907, Painting & Sculpture

Cindy Sherman, "Untitled Film Still #2", 1977, Photography

Andrew Wyeth, "Christina's World", 1948, Painting & Sculpture

David Fincher, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", 2008, Film

David Wark Griffith, "Her Awakening", 1911, Film

Frank Borzage, "Lazybones", 1925, Film

Kathe Kollwitz, "Mother with a Child in her Arms", 1916, Prints & Illustrated Books

Abraham Rattner, "Mother and Child", 1938, Painting & Sculpture

Julia Margaret Cameron, "Venus Chiding Cupid & Removing His Wings", 1872, Photography

David Cronenberg, "A History of Violence", 2005, Film

Sue Coe, "Doctor Giving Massage to a Patient with Aids", 1993, Prints & Illustrated Books

David Alfaro Siqueiros, "The Sob", 1939, Painting & Sculpture

Hernan Bas, "The Start of the Rain", 2004, Drawings

Sam Salisbury, "Untitled (Companion #3)", 2003, Drawings

Cindy Sherman, "Untitled Film Still #32", 1979, Photography

            The organization of this exhibit was key and not an easy task. I paired art from different sections of the MoMa which were similar in emotion yet different in artistic style. I was able to include art work which depicted strength, self-esteem, relationships, affection, bonding, hurt and sorrow. The artists selected range in cultural background.  The year of completion span from the 1800’s to the present. Therefore, materials used also varied from oil on canvas, to black and white, color photography and sketching to name a few. Various forms of emotion are represented.

             There are three specific art pieces which are particularly dear to me. They are “Lazybones”, “Mother with a Child in her Arms” and “Mother and Child”. Here are three opportunities to portray emotion through art from the collections of the MoMa. The three pieces come from the Film, Prints & Illustrated Books and Painting & Sculpture. Each one shows the beauty and strength in the bond between a child and parent. They are from different years in the 1900’s, yet the warm emotion is present in all three making the concept the same. They share an immense feeling of happiness without the use of words. The only difference is the material used to create them. As a curator, it was exciting to bring all three works together for viewers.

As I am about to have my first baby girl this July, the three pieces captured my heart and soul. It overjoyed me to find the image with the father and baby girl, as it was very uncommon in my search. I hope you enjoy this online mini tour and visit the MoMa soon. Perhaps you too can find pieces of art in different sections which share similarities.

Field Trip 4

Sculpture Center Reaction

            It is amazing how one can live somewhere their entire life and not necessarily know what their surrounding neighborhoods have to offer. Hence the case of the Sculpture Center, I had never even heard of the street name. The inside is definitely unique in terms of the layout. The first floor has a very high ceiling yet the lower level makes one feel like the walls and ceiling are closing in. In all honesty, I was even a bit spooked while downstairs, plus I was alone.

            Bill Bollinger’s exhibit took time to analyze, understand and appreciate. My mind kept sorting what it saw as good art versus bad art. However, as I learned more about the artist my appreciation grew. First of all location was a key element. The exhibit would not have had the same effect say at the MoMa in NYC. The Sculpture Center was the perfect place to showcase Bollinger’s work. The materials used by Bollinger were industrial and one might even think the materials had been lying around the establishment for Bollinger to simply pick up and utilize.

            The “Wire Piece” was quite impressive. The detail Bollinger created by curving the wire was unique. While he could have made the installation much higher due to the height of the ceiling, it then would have taken the viewers attention away from the detail. Bollinger made this work site-specific by placing the installation at eye level, in the middle of the room with enough room to walk on either side and still see the curve made in the wire.

            The “Rope Piece” placed strategically on the corner of the wall was perfect. While the materials included simple rope, clamps eyebolts and turnbuckle, the illusion of shadow created by Bollinger was what made it amazing. Again he had to take into consideration where light in his space came from. Next to this installation, Bollinger strategically placed the “Droplight” piece. The incandescent bulb pointing towards the “Rope Piece” added to the effect of shadow.

 Last, but not least the piece “Untitled” wheelbarrow from afar one didn’t know if they were part of the exhibit. Once again, filling the wheelbarrows to the top prevented them from moving. The rust made it appear as if they were empty. Two other things noticed were that the art drawings were purposely put on a separate wall to highlight them and at the same time not take away from the installations on the right. Also the exhibit on the main floor could not have been placed in the lower level. All installations would have looked wedged into a small space and taken away from Bollinger’s concept of mass.

Bill Bollinger

“Wire Piece”, 1970

Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein-Vaduz

Bill Bollinger

“Rope Piece” (VW), 1967 (2011)

Reconstruction

Bill Bollinger

“Droplight”, 1969

Kunstmuseum-St. Gallen

Bill Bollinger

“Untitled”, 1970 (2002)

Wheelbarrows, water

Kunstmuseum-St. Gallen

Reconstruction

Field Trip 2

MoMa PS 1: The Good, the Bad and the Misunderstood

            I had never visited the MoMa PS 1 in Long Island City, Queens and it was quite an experience. This institution portrays the art work of younger and living artists. You were able to see how much credit and respect is given to these artists by simply walking the hallways and in small talk with the staff. They would ask you what your thoughts were, if you took a photograph indeed very warm and welcoming.

The museum made me look at art through a different lens. This was my very first time at this museum and I did not know what to expect. My first stop was at the “Frances Stark: My Best Thing” exhibit. Art is a big umbrella under which paintings, sculptures, performing, theater, film and much more falls into. The exhibit was a color video on a soap opera which ran for about 90 minutes and was broken into episodes. The video had adult language and content which as an adult was fine, however I did not feel there was a point to the video. After episode 4 I left the exhibit and did not like it at all. The idea by the artist was to show online relationships and almost like a “darker” side to online chatting. Up to that part, I was onboard with her, but then it became a bit raunchy and lost my appreciation. If could have fast forwarded to the last two episodes I would have just to see where this was going. Many people left after episode two and what I did notice was the moment people would stand up to leave was during a scene with vulgarity or a sexual reference; almost as if embarrassed to be seen watching the video. I felt funny staying until the fourth episode and mind you, we are in 2012. This exhibit was definitely the bad for me.

Next I visited “Janet Cardiff; The Forty Part Motet” exhibit. This was a rework of “Spem in Allium” by Thomas Tallis from the year 1573. As I turned into the room, I was simply taken back. Perhaps because it was a rainy Friday afternoon or the amount of light that entered the room truly enhanced this exhibit making it breathtaking. The room had forty speakers in eight groups of five perfectly spaced out with a few small benches to sit in the center. The artist spaced everything out with perfection in mind. The music was so beautiful and when I first walked by I thought some speakers were not working, yet they all were. You felt there was a connection of voices within the speakers, almost like listening to a choir. Being in the room gave you such peace, needless to say this was art at its best and I loved it.

The last exhibit which left me with a unique impression was “Darren Bader: Images”. I must say that reading Darren Bader’s introduction made me feel as if I had met him personally; it was very humble and honest. I walked into his first exhibit knowing I would run out because of my severe allergy to cats, yet his message was very nice. The exhibit was set up to look like a small living room with a couch in the middle and two cats walking around. The artist was given permission to bring in three cats at a time and have them be open to adoption. The first three were all adopted and now the new batch of three was left with two. I had no idea how many cats and dogs were euthanized by the city and it was very sad. His next exhibit is where my confusion began. There was an iguana in the middle of the room, a croissant on the floor and an old pizza in an oven. There wasn’t any explanation anywhere of what this was and everyone walked out with the same expression. I wish I could have asked the artist what this meant; I am almost tempted to email him.

All in all, my first blog of good art vs. bad art came into mind and my feelings towards art are the same.  I am happy to be visiting different museums and exhibits and hope to continue doing so.

Frances Stark: My Best Thing
American, b. 1967
Video (color sound) 99:17 2011

Janet Cardiff: The Forty Part Motet 2001

Darren Bader: Images (I didn't see any specific titles)

Field Trip 3

Design in Our Lives: The Museum of Modern Art

            In our second visit to the MoMa a basic understanding of ergonomics was definitely important. Things we take for granted in our lives today such as calculators, pots and pans, vases and even the furniture we have in our homes all are designed with a scientific discipline called ergonomics. Ergonomics can also be referred to as human factors; designers must take into consideration these factors to have a final result useful to humans. By doing so they can prevent strenuous injuries and also they can take into consideration developing designs to meet the special needs of individuals.

            In walking through the Architecture & Designs exhibit, it was impressive to see the development of things as basic as a calculator which had over the years been revamped to meet our needs. I saw items that to me were high functioning and others that were low functioning. Then there some items that were high functionality, but it was only because they had been adapted to present time. For example, the Corning glass works frying pan from 1942 was made of glass and steel. Still used today and very high functioning, however today we have frying pans that are non-stick and that the handles are not made of glass preventing severe burns and accidents. It was also interesting to see the calculator which is still high functioning, but instead of physically carrying one with you, cell phones and computers have them built in for our convenience. While I personally still have one in my office, it is not the size of any of the ones on display. The very first one looked liked a cash register. The infamous turntable has become almost obsolete; with today’s technology DJ’s literally work with a laptop and most people download music into their ipods, computers, laptops and even phones...space saving being the high function of our decade. Yet, to have an antique record player is a luxury which even in 2012 can be appreciated.

            There was an exhibit that I found to be low functioning, it was the Tuttono piece. This design consisted of an all in storage, living room and slide out bed. Depending on an individual’s height, weight and needs this is not necessary today; aside from the fact that one can get hurt in the process of going up to the couch, or sliding out the bed. In addition there is not a sense of privacy. I felt that the mini kitchen also fell into my low functioning category, being made of wood made it an extreme hazard. An impressive piece was the Lomak keyboard made for individuals who are quadriplegic or those who have multiple sclerosis. I was touched to see how ergonomics were present 100% in this piece. Truly taking into consideration people with such special needs, yet providing them with the facility to enjoy what some may take for granted left me speechless. Last, but not least was the Foreclosure exhibit. After walking through the Architecture & Designs you saw how ergonomics plays a huge role in developing vast neighborhoods within our society. While none of the ideas have been built, they all looked liked “robot” cities and I felt that they lacked warmth. I believe that something has to be done to prevent so many people from losing their homes yet I’m not entirely onboard with what I saw. For example, the Cisneros approach to have smaller units as affordable housing with amenities almost seems like grouping people within the same socio-economic levels, isn’t this just a fancy way to have people live in projects? I believe there should be a balance, and more discussions on these living developments have to take place.

Corning Glass Works USA Established 1851

Frying pan 1942

Borosilicate glass and steel

Mario Bellini

Accounting & Inventory Machine 1973

Tuttono

Internotredici Associati

Italian 1970-1983

Lomak light operated mouse and keyboard

Haythornthwaite Andrew 1944

Foreclose

Bungalow Shuffle (Cisneros)

Field Trip 1

Art and Identity: The Museum of Modern Art

As a native New Yorker, I, like many others take for granted all of the wonderful things the city has to offer; one of them being the Museum of Modern Art. Today this museum is better known throughout the world as the MoMa. Visiting the museum made me think back to a post on my art blog on what good and bad art represent to me. As I walked through different exhibits, again I saw many people gawk at certain artwork and I simply couldn’t make the connection. This is why art is such a unique and beautiful subject; there is no correct view or answer.

The first exhibit I walked through was the “Contemporary Galleries: 1980-Now”. I had to actually walk through twice and noticed that I had walked right past things as obvious as installations and artists’ projects. What I did begin to see and apply where things learned through our lecture videos, so my appreciation grew even more. Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s “Untitled” Placebo 1991 was very simple, yet unique. My original thought was these are just silver wrappers on the floor, I had not noticed that they were actually individually wrapped candies in silver cellophane. As I read about the installation, I learned that Felix Gonzalez-Torres created these types of installations by using everyday objects. What truly touched my heart was the reason behind putting together this piece in memory of his partner he lost due to AIDS. His installation had meaning and while they welcomed you to taking a piece of candy, at some point that piece would be replaced to maintain the installation.

The next piece that moved me was Doris Salcedo’s “Untitled” 1995. As a Latina, it made me extremely proud to see artworks displayed that were from Latino artists. Again as I walked past the piece of furniture I could not see what the significance was. As I read about Doris Salcedo’s experience, I was again touched. She spent weeks with family members and loved ones of the victims of the civil war in Colombia. One of the great things an artist can do is make a statement and/or form an expression. I was able to see why Doris Salcedo used furniture and clothing in her installations. She connected them to what you would find in homes and made them resemble human bodies of these victims. While the furniture had arms and legs, the head was missing.

Art can also be presented in the form of a video. There was an exhibit by Mark Boulos “All That Is Solid Melts Into Air” 2008. There were two videos going on about Shell Oil in Nigeria and the United States simultaneously; one depicted a negative effect and one a positive effect. The negative effect showed a village in Nigeria where poverty, scarce food and clean water were unheard of. As a result, people were angry, had hate towards white society and openly threatened to kidnap and kill for their beliefs. Due to the major oil wells Shell has, people are unable to fish let alone swim in the water. The other video portrayed how these oil wells make the stock market grow, cities grow and continue to develop. The videos last about 15 minutes and I actually saw them twice. It was extremely moving and truly made me have compassion for the people of Nigeria and think about how we enjoy everything around us without sometimes knowing how it can affect others around the world.

The second exhibit I visited was the “Cindy Sherman” exhibit. I really wanted to cross paths with my professor because this exhibit truly did not move or impact me. Yet again, some seemed mesmerized by the paintings and portraits. Cindy Sherman had “cannibal-like” impulses expressed through fairytales, very awkward clowns and I just couldn’t make anything out of the exhibit. I believe artists such Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Doris Salcedo and Marc Boulos, all have something in common. They have a message that they are delivering through their art. Their information can certainly be expressed via the media, yet it has a different effect when brought to life utilizing their talents.

Narrative Digital Collage

Welcome to very first narrative digital collage...I don't know how I managed to delete it and had to start ALL over again, the glass of wine came in very handy!

As you know I am born and raised in NYC, yet have a Peruvian background which I am extremely proud of. I love to travel which is why you will see different ways I have done so via flight and cruising. In my travels mostly to South America and the Caribbean, dolphins are what I love to see! I love to see them aboard boats because I cannot swim...I have tried and have plenty of stories, all thanks to my boyfriend and his genius ideas lol. I do beach snorkel literally standing up...while little children float lol. He is a diver and I am happy with a pina colada and a great book on the beach soaking in the sun. Yet we manage to balance both. I picked the NYC skyline as my background simply because it is my favorite! I can never get tired of looking at this amazing view, from different points throughout the city, my favorite being the view in LIC and the Brooklyn Bridge promenade. The reflection if you look closely is a layer too.

I hope you like my collage and welcome any comments/feedback ;)

Good Art vs. Bad Art

I don't believe there is such a thing as good art or bad art. Artists portray their thoughts, feelings and personal observations through their artwork. To me art is like beauty...it is in the eye of the beholder. I may look at a work of art and walk right past it and there may be someone else who cannot take their eyes off of it. Below are my personal thoughts.

What is good art? In my opinion an artist has to have amazing talent to portray what they see to the eyes of the world. Two of my favorite paintings include Leonardo DaVinci's the Mona Lisa and Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night. The Mona Lisa portrays a beautiful woman with such poise; and who could not be be intrigued by those piercing eyes? The Starry Night was Van Gogh's view from his sanitorium window. The Starry Night shows peace and simply a beautiful night. I think Van Gogh portrayed what his heart saw that night. I love art from the time of the Harlem Renaissance as well - those vibrant colors and story-telling paintings, drawings and collages.

What is bad art? I will never forget my experience with what I consider to be bad art. A few years ago, my cousin and I were strolling in the city. All museums along 5th Avenue were permitting you to enter with a simple donation. The line to the Guggenheim Museum was unbelievable. Of course, my cousin and I made the line. The structure is amazing and breathtaking. At the time, the main exhibit was by an artist who made wax art. We could not believe this work had made it to the Guggeheim...there was wax everywhere. Literally candles that had melted and the end result was art. We looked around and saw that there were people who were deeply impressed by it and could not figure out why. This is also my opinion when I see a blank canvas with say a dot in the middle. However, I respect that it can be a work of art to the artist and their admirers.

Indeed art is definitely in the eye of the beholder...