Week Sixteen - Blog: Reflections of AED 200

1)          What were you expectations for this course and where they met?

I believe that my expectations of this course were met because when I first started this class I did not know much about art from an historical standpoint. I did not know the creative influences of the artists, what they were famous for, types of artwork, or the artistic principles and elements.

2)          Now that you've been through this course, What is art? How would you define it now compared to your initial posting?

After taking this course, I define art as creative pieces made by someone who has something to express through physical artwork. Some artists may have a very strong message to express through art, while other artists might just create artwork to show off their work. I believe that art is absolutely important to life in one way or another.

3)           Who was your favorite artist in your original posting and who is your favorite visual artist now? If there is a difference, why do you think so? If you have the same favorite artist, why do you think so?

                           After taking this course, Andy Warhol is definitely my favorite artist now. His piece, Campbell's Soup Cans' reliance on themes from popular culture helped to usher in pop art as a major art movement in the USA. I knew about this piece of art prior to taking this class, but I have learned about pop art particularly through Andy Warhol’s art and how important it was during that time and what kind of messages he was trying to deliver.  

4)             Now that you've completed this course, how do you feel about taking an online course? Is your answer the same as it was in your first posting? How is it the same or different?

I am glad that I took this online course because it was a simple way for me to get interested with art on my own time. Every time I went to the art gallery for an assignment I did it on my own time so I could take the time to actually look at the art and critique it without feeling rushed for time. I also wrote in my first posting that I was nervous to take an online course because I have never taken one before and I did not know how difficult it would be. This course was pretty simple to understand electronically, and I would refer this course to other students in the future.  

Week Fifteen: Self Portrait /Art Gallery Visit

1)         The primary reason for choosing the pieces I did was because of my interest in international art. All pieces are self-portraits from galleries we’ve probably never heard from before—which adds a flair for the novelty to my project.

2)         I tried to put my best foot forward by using a media that I excel with—this the reason for using pencil and marker.

3)         Some of the challenges I faced in creating my self-portrait was bringing it to life using my independent creative skills. I am more of a digital creative, so using a pen and paper was something quite challenging for me.  

4)         This piece represents unique style and individuality. Everything from the hat to stylish shirt conveys a great representation of who I am.

5)         Some of elements and principles included in this piece are rhythm, emphasis, and value.

6)         This project was very creatively-free and fun. It allowed me to take full control of what I wanted to convey and express in a meaningful way.

7)         My final art was very expressive and well thought out. It includes works that makes one appreciate the cultural diversity that is offers.

Blog Topic: Video Reviews

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

2. Do the videos relate to the creation of your Art Exhibition project? If yes, explain how. If no, explain why not.

3. What is your opinion of the films? Do they add depth to the understanding of the art concepts you practiced while creating your curation project?

1.         After watching both The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art and An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan, I have learned several interesting facts in relation to the wide array of different art styles and origins. The Lowdown on Lowbrow: West Coast Pop Art highlighted the introduction and boom of an “underground” visual art movement that arose in Los Angeles during the late 1970s called lowbrow. I also learned that lowbrow is a popular and widespread urbanized movement that includes many aspects of surrealism with common features of punk music, hot-rods, and other urban subculture. Furthermore, in An Acquiring Mind: Philippe de Montebello and The Metropolitan, I’ve learned a lot about museum director Philippe de Montebello’s fascinating journey in bringing innovation to the Met in New York City. Montebello’s long impressive journey at the Met brought forth thousands of pieces of art—most of which derive from rare collections all over the world.  

2.         These videos do an amazing job of heightening my knowledge and understanding of how to go about our exhibition project. The Lowdown on Lowbrow inspired my decision to base my project on urban contemporary art because how much of an impact it has on younger audiences and also because of the colorful and bold impressions it leaves on audiences too.

3.         These two films bring great value in helping me understand the key concepts and being confident enough to choose one theme and stick with it. Before watching the videos, I was in awe at the amount of options I had in choosing a theme, but after watching, I was inspired to stick with the theme I chose.