Understanding and Evaluating October 4, 2008

Running Head: UNDERSTANDING AND EVALUATING THE ARTS

Understanding and Evaluating the Arts

Carla J. McCoy

Unit 1 Individual Project

American InterContinental University

October 11th , 2008

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Understanding and Evaluating October 4, 2008

Abstract

The Definition of Art can be controversial and have very different meanings for each

individual person. This report will show you two definitions of the word “art” from different

reliable sources. It will also include an Individual URL for each example as well as a description

of the art. There are eight various Art types that will be reviewed for this assignment. Painting,

Sculpture, Architecture, Photography, Printmaking, Conceptual Art, Installation Art, and

Performance Art. This report will also show an explanation of why the examples provided

exemplifies the definition(s) of the word “art”. All art types are by established artists and/or from

museum collections online.

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1st Definition of Art

It is impossible to define art. As a matter of a fact it’s impossible to define most anything

with a sentence. There is a book called the “Philosophy Gym” which has a category on “what is

art” which consists of a debate between two imaginary people which proves a point to an extent

that you can’t define art. Giving art a definition is like being “beautiful” but doesn’t mean art

necessarily means beautiful. A good example would be taking Martial Arts into consideration;

it’s not necessarily beautiful, although you also may say that art is a form of self expression,

although it has no need to be a literal form of self expression. Some say that Art is a form of

expression but expression covers a broad area of art and would have to be a conscious act to

perform. If you didn’t know what was happening then it would be a liberal expression. So there

are many types of expression that art can be or not be. (WebCorp, 2007)

2nd Definition of Art

It is considered bad form to try and pinpoint what art should be. Art is fundamentally

something that assists humans in increasing their appetite for a purpose in life, which happens to

include the appetite for beauty, but also for understanding, reconciliation, consolation, and many

other abstract values. Defining art as a form of provocation is to confuse means with ends. Art

promotes deeper scrutiny but we don’t have to limit ourselves to thinking that it must be

scrutiny. Art can be anything as long as it entices some individual to play at least moderate hell

with his or her own pattern of teleological preferences. (Tjernstrom, P, 2008)

Painting

This Painting, published by Norman Rockwell, is the first published Santa Claus Painting

of his. This painting appeared on the cover of Boys’ Life magazine in December 1913. Rockwell

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was only nineteen years old when this painting was published and his developing sense of humor

is evident in this painting. Santa has fallen. There are wrapped presents strewn all over in the

snow. His magic bag of presents is shown in the background and the boy scouts are helping him

get up. Santa need not look so surprised, after all, that’s’ what the boy scouts do. The name of

this Painting is “Santa and Scouts in Snow” by Norman Rockwell. The use of light and action is

evident in this Painting and it gives the viewers a defined feeling of depth. “Santa and Scouts in

Snow” was only one of 55 Norman Rockwell Boy’s Life covers. Here is a link to a complete list

of all Norman Rockwell Magazine Covers Norman Rockwell always had a talent for uncovering

the human side of every subject. (Best Norman Rockwell Art.com, 2005-2008) The example

provided exemplifies the definition(s) of the word “art” because it represents character, emotion,

feeling, and action and there is no one single definition that can define what this painting

represents.

Sculpture

This Sculpture was done by Caroline Lucero – Carpio. The name of the sculpture is

“Peaceful Thoughts” which is a Bronze Sculpture made from clay original. It is 17.5” x 11.5”

and is a Limited Edition of 35. This sells for $5,700 U.S. dollars. Caroline Lucero – Carpio is

from Isleta Pueblo, NM and her Tiwa name is Thud-bese, meaning Sun Tablita. Her native

culture is an articulation of prayer and celebration, expressed in her language, songs, dances,

creation of art, and most importantly, her way of living. Her traditional upbringing and

contemporary expression of who she is today is voiced through her artwork and is a reflection of

her inner prayers. In her Peaceful Thoughts Sculpture this is in representation to honoring the

Pueblo potter’s sacred connection with Mother Earth, the ancestors, and ways of life. (River

Trading Post Native American Art, 2008) The example provided exemplifies the definition(s) of

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the word “art” because it represents a sculpture made in honor of an entire culture along with

nature. This type of art has a deep reflection of the inner soul which can never be defined.

Architecture

The Burj Dubai Lake Hotel officially just opened their doors to the public with 196

rooms and suites. The hotel is 306 meters tall, making it the second tallest tower in Downtown

Burj Dubai. The Burj Dubai Skyscraper is 800m – 950m in height, it has 160-189 floors. It’s

construction date began on February 1st, 2005. The Burj Dubai Lake hotel requires $225 million

dollars worth of glass for glass plates, and $612 million worth of glass for the interiors. Burj

Dubai is now the world’s tallest structure ever built. This particular YouTube URL link will

show you The Construction of Burj Dubai from December 17th, 2005 – April 5th, 2008. The

design architect, Adrian Smith had a vision and great imagination to create such established

Architectures that most of what he’s built already has become part of history, hence as well as

the Burj Dubai will become. Here is a video of Architect Adrian Smith commenting on Burj

Dumai. Here are some interesting facts about this architecture. The cost to build this architecture

was (in U.S. dollars) $900,000,000.00. There is some great documentary on YouTube about Burj

Dubai that has 5 parts to it listed below. (Burj Dubai Skyscraper, 2008) The Sculpture example

provided exemplifies the definition(s) of the word “art” because it represents not only a local

recognition and honor for it’s culture of people but it has a national recognition for being the

tallest skyscraper in the entire world to date.

Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfPe9YJTIU4&feature=related

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Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh90HN5HYxQ&feature=related

Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhQlaymegVI&feature=related

Part 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBmx_rfQc3s&feature=related

Part 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2o6jBcjBL0&feature=related

Photography

Anne Geddes, one of the most respected, successful and very professional photographers

in the world today has various award winning photographs of babies represented in themes

pertaining to her deeply held belief that we all must protect, nurture, and love all children. The

photograph chosen here is called “A Labor of Love” which is also used as the front cover of an

autobiography which was written by Anne Geddes. The price of this autobiography is $50.00 in

the U.S. and $60.00 in Canada. Anne Geddes is an Australian-born photographer that now lives

and works in New Zealand and is well known for her stylized depictions of babies and

motherhood. Her books alone have been published in more than fifty countries. Here is a video

of some of Anne Geddes photography on YouTube that will send chills down anyone’s spine.

Anne Geddes has a Philanthropic Trust which is “To guarantee that we have a Future… We need

to protect, nourish, love and educate. We need to look at our new beginnings. The Future is in

our hands.” (Geddes, A., 2007) The Photography example provided exemplifies the definition(s)

of the word “art” because it holds a very deep and emotional meaning, one of mystery, love,

care, and with an intention to assist in the prevention of child abuse. In 2007, designated funds

totaling more than $4.5 million dollars was donated through the non-profit Geddes Philanthropic

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Understanding and Evaluating October 4, 2008

Trust to help prevent child abuse in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

(Geddes, A., 2007)

Printmaking

Jonathan Comerford which is an artist/printmaker established a workshop to provide

professional printmaking facilities for the independent artist as well as promote printmaking in

the Western Cape. The particular Printmaking Art that is chosen for this paper is Elephants lll.

Jonathan Comerford expresses his printmaking in a magnificent and unique style and he enjoys

the diversity of techniques that printmaking has to offer which range from silkscreen, linocut,

collagraph, mezzotint, and etching. His artworks are represented in collections such as the

National Gallery, the Sanlam Collection and the Sasol Museum. Elephants lll is 39 x 56cm, using

Media: Etching. Jonathan Comerford graduated in 1985 with a Diploma in Fine Art, majoring in

Printmaking and drawing from the Ruth Prowse School of Art. (The Cape Gallery, 2008) The

Printmaking example provided exemplifies the definition(s) of the word “art” because it

expresses adventure, nature, emotion, movement, light and darkness.

Conceptual Art

The chosen Conceptual Art which is called Works of art do not simply exist as

mysterious artifacts for people to look at. Internationally acclaimed artist Keith Haring (1958 –

1990) rose to fame during the 80’s art boom when his graffiti inspired chalk drawings appeared

in New York subway stations. As a sculptor, painter, graphic artist and muralist, his art’s

pulsating energy and explosive colors embody the vibe of New York street culture. A

compulsive worker, Haring created murals and sculptures in the U.S. and in foreign countries,

often slaving over the details from concept to completion. The name of this Print is “untitled”

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like many of his other works. (AllPosters.com, 1998 – 2000). The Conceptual Art example

provided exemplifies the definition(s) of the word “art” because it expresses children, vibrancy,

color, shape, it’s representational and abstract. Could it be defined from a first time viewer?

Installation Art

When bringing up the name Spencer Tunick, most people know who you are speaking of.

Spencer Tunick has been documenting live nude figures in public using photography and video

since 1992. Since 1994 he has organized over 75 temporary site – specific installations in the

U.S. and abroad. In his art he can encompass dozens and even hundreds or thousands of

volunteers. The individuals are without clothing, grouped together and metamorphose into a new

shape. The bodies extend into and upon the landscape like a substance and the grouped masses

without considering sexuality become abstractions that challenge or reconfigure one’s views of

nudity and privacy. His work also refers to the complex issue of presenting art in permanent or

temporary public spaces. In Mexico City at Zocalo, MUCA/UNAM Campus Spencer Tunick put

together a 48foot high, 60 inch human piece of art. There is a set of 6 to this edition. (Artnet,

2008) The example provided exemplifies the definition(s) of the word “art” because it represents

character, flow, feeling, movement, balance and action and there is no one single definition that

can define what this painting represents.

Performance Art

Eleanor Antin was an influential performance artist, filmmaker, photographer, and

installation artist. Eleanor Antin was a cultural chameleon that masquerades in theatrical or stage

roles to expose her many selves whether it be of ancient Rome, the Crimean war, the salons of

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Understanding and Evaluating October 4, 2008

the nineteenth century Europe, or her own Jewish heritage and Yiddish culture. Born in New

York City in 1935 Eleanor Antin; an artist listed at Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, “Helen’s

Odyssey” extends her interests in history or “herstory” and allegory, themes she’s mined over 30

years. The show opened up with a quote from the oracle at Delphi: “In Sparta will be born a

queen so beautiful she will be stolen away by a Trojan prince.” Antin presents an anachronistic

crew of warriors and goddesses posing in front of painted backdrops that reference art history.

(Hedengren, D., 2005-2008) The example provided exemplifies the definition(s) of the word

“art” because it represents character, emotion, feeling, and action and there is no one single

definition that can define what this painting represents.

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Art Images

Santa and Scouts in Snow Peaceful Thoughts

Burj Dubai A Labor of Love

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Elephant’s lll Untitled

Mexico City Eleanor Antin – Helen’s Odyssey

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Citations

Kant, Immanuel, (2000), Critique of the Power of Judgment, trans. Paul Guyer and Eric

Matthews. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Retrieved from: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/art-definition/

Adajian, T., Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the Definition of Art, (2007)

Retrieved from: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/art-definition/

Best Norman Rockwell Art.com (2005 – 2008) Santa and Scouts in Snow by Norman Rockwell,

December 1913 issue of Boys’ Life

Retrieved from: http://www.best-norman-rockwell-art.com/norman-rockwell-boys-life-

cover-1913-12-santa-and-scouts-in-snow.html

River Trading Post Native American Art, (2008)

Retrieved from: http://rivertradingpost.com/

BrightCove, Inc., (2008) Delivering Internet Tv

Retrieved from: http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1494840743

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YouTube, LLC, (2008) Burj Dubai

Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com

Burj Dubai Skyscraper, (2005-2008) BurjDubaiSkyscraper

Retrieved from: http://www.burjdubaiskyscraper.com/news.html

Geddes, A, (2007) Protect, Nurture, Love

Retrieved from: http://www.annegeddes.com/modules/home/trust/index.aspx

The Cape Gallery, (2008) Elephants lll

Retrieved from: http://www.capegallery.co.za/index.htm

Amazon.com, (2008) the Philosophy of Gym, by Stephen Law

Retrieved from:

http://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Gym-Short-Adventures-Thinking/dp/0312314523

WebCorp, (2007) Debate.com

Retrieved from: http://www.debate.com/debates/It-is-impossible-to-define-art/1/

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Tjernstrom, P., (2008) Now let’s define art

Retrieved from: http://www.almansgrund.se/JPTonart.pdf

AllPosters.com, (1998-2008)

Retrieved from: http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/LEM/LM521~Untitled-

Posters.jpg

Art net – The art world online, (2008) Art net

Retrieved from: http://www.artnet.com/usernet/awc/awc_workdetail.asp?

aid=425378777&gid=425378777&cid=129836&wid=425383730&page=1

Lifetimes, (2005-2008) Art NYC, Helen’s Odyssey – Eleanor Antin at Ronald Feldman

Retrieved from: http://www.artnewyorkcity.com/category/helens-odyssey/

References

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Understanding and Evaluating October 4, 2008

Electronic Resource:

http://images.ucomics.com/images/amuniversal/press_release/geddes_intro_babies.jpg

Electronic Resource: http://www.annegeddes.com/default.aspx

Electronic Resource: http://www.capegallery.co.za/jonathon_comerford1.htm#

Electronic Resource: http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/LEM/LM521~Untitled-

Posters.jpg

Electronic Resource: http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/art-definition/

Electronic Resource:

http://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Gym-Short-Adventures-Thinking/dp/0312314523

Electronic Resource: http://www.debate.com/debates/It-is-impossible-to-define-art/1/

Electronic Resource: http://www.almansgrund.se/JPTonart.pdf

Electronic Resource: http://www.artnet.com/usernet/awc/awc_workdetail.asp?

aid=425378777&gid=425378777&cid=129836&wid=425383730&page=1

Electronic Resource: http://www.artnewyorkcity.com/category/helens-odyssey/

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