4/27/2011

A Saint and A Criminal- http://www.npr.org/2011/04/03/133542373/a-saint-and-a-criminal

Although the meaning and happenings of the story were painful experiences, the author's portrayal held so much voice that I found it impossible not to be moved. The narrator describes her brother as someone who is clearly disturbed, possibly foreshadowing the accident and the man she sees and fears for while he's locked away in a cell. I also thought it was a good interpretation of what telling the joke could look like, not something that would evoke laughter like one might assume.

Kehinde Wiley

Imitating famous pieces of art, Kehinde Wiley's contemporary vision adds a modern influence on the works of the masters. He succeeds in incorporating urban culture and the power of black males into the already powerful paintings of Renaissance artists such as Titan. Wiley blurs the boundaries of traditional and contemporary using a fusion of color, style, and subjects.

4/13/2011

Through Banksy's pieces I find humor as well as  motivation in what I interpret as social commentary. At the wall that separates Israel from Palestine, Banksy created a work of art that depicts childhood freedom and innocence. The fact that he was able to bring these feelings to the a site of violence and long standing disagreements is so inspirational. I very much agree with what Banksy is doing because of how important it is to remember to keep peace.

Graffiti is definitely art. Art doesn't have boundaries, and can't be defined by subject matter or where it exists. Graffiti plays a large role in our culture, though it can't seem to escape the ongoing debate of vandalism vs. art. Tagging that could be seen as offensive may not be art to some people, but it's still a reality. I think alternate personas are used for the artists to protect themselves. For example, if people found out who Banksy really is (not just his alias), there's a good chance he would get into legal trouble. The whole basis of graffiti and street art is rebelling against authority.

I can't stress enough how important I think it is for people to put their work out for the public. Through circulation and social commentary, this in itself helps us evolve and progress.

4/6/2011

Alice Neel's undeniable expressionistic spirit is projected through the numerous portraits and still life's conveying intense emotion. The feelings evoked through color and brush strokes has moved me to consider her one of my favorite artists, and the relativity found in the eyes of her subjects I can't help but feel connected to. Her use of lighting is effective in leading my eye across her pieces through an intense use of contrast.