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I agree with you when you talk about the dangerous backlash that some of the media and art can start due to what they are displaying. Everyone is very well entitled to their own opinions but sometimes that can get us in trouble. I as well can see censorship increasing and expanding onto other forms of art and media. Ultimately, I see it as a beneficial change for the younger viewers specifically. 

Week 15 Response

1.)  Is censorship in art/entertainment required?  Why or why not?’

     -  I believe that censorship should be required in art and entertainment.  There are a couple of reasons why I think censorship should be required in art and entertainment.  One reason is that there are many offensive things and images in today’s art and entertainment that people, including kids, do not want to see or should not see.  Another reason is there is very explicit language being used that people, including kids, do not want to hear or should not hear. 

2.)  Do you think ideas and concepts by artists can be dangerous?  How?

     -  I do think that ideas and concepts by artists can be very dangerous.  If artists are creating or demonstrating something very controversial or offensive, people may get very offended and cause a scene or do something dangerous to retaliate back at the artist.  

7.)  Where do you see censorship going from here - more or less restrictive?

     -  I see censorship becoming more restrictive from here on out.  There are many people in this world who are becoming more comfortable with voicing and demonstrating what they believe in, no matter what other people think.  This has caused a lot of controversy in this world and still will in the future.   

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week 15

Censorship in art, media and speech is a touchy subject in my opinion. There is a lot of gray areas and discrepancy with it. Something that could offend one person could sit perfectly fine with a different individual; and that’s why I think it is hard for the government to particularly tell you what you can and cannot watch, read, see or create. The First Amendment grants us the freedom of speech and the commitment to freedom of imagination but is there a limit or some sort of boundary to that freedom?

I do believe that some extent of censorship is important especially for the wide range of audience that some of this media and art reaches. A tv show may be viewed all over the world by 50-year old’s all the way to 10-year old’s, that’s a big age difference and a big developmental gap, which is why censorship is needed. Now obviously this censorship comes as a suggestion to most, but it is put in place as a warning and then it is up to the viewers digression to continue.

Although censorship has been around for decades, so has the violent and graphic media. Internationally, Japan’s media is famous for their extremely graphic violence in movies and television shows. Even in America, violent and sexually explicit art and entertainment has been a staple of human culture. In today’ society there is much less concern of the actual explicit and violent images but instead the aftermath of this media. Does this cause the viewers to act differently after viewing? Do violent video games and movies cause individuals to act violently in real life? There have been numerous studies conducted to in hoped find correlation, but scientists agree that statistical correlation between the two things do not mean that one causes the other. This conclusion can be showcased in Japan specifically, with highly violent media and a very low crime rate- much lower than most societies in which television viewing is relatively rare.

I feel like censorship is required to a certain extent and degree. I don’t think society can be told what they can and cannot do but a little guidance or suggestion never hurt. Having the movies rated is a simple gesture to aid in the censorship of medias. Or having the parental advisory is another easy fix. I don’t believe that censorship is a way for us to prohibit the expression of an artist or to halt creation, if anything I think it will help it. It also comes down to the individual specifically, if we are disturbed by a painting or a tv show why would we want to shut it all down and destroy the creation when instead we could just flip the channel or quit looking at the artwork. We have the ability to decide for ourselves what we want to see and what we don’t, we just have to exercise them.

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Week 9

For this week’s blog post we have been introduced to the romanticism movement. Interestingly, romanticism does not mean flowers, chocolate and hearts. Romanticism in the arts focuses on emphasizing nature, emotions, imagination, and the individual. Many of the pieces I looked at this week really caught my attention. The sense of emotion and awe that many of these works brought out were very interesting. One famous piece of artwork that was painted in the early 19th century was The Lonely Tree. This piece was painted in 1822 by German painter Caspar David Friedrich. The oil painting depicts a landscape view of a plain with mountains in the background. In the foreground of the painting we see a single oak tree. The tree looks a little rough and is clearly damaged but it is still standing at the center of the viewers attention. It looks to be a morning sunrise with an overcast sky as we see from the layered cloudy sky. There is a dark silhouette around the branches of the tree and the shape of clouds peak to form a sort of dome surrounding the tree. The lonely tree looks dead at the top because it has no branches, moving down the tree as well the branches are very fine and unfull, or just completely dead and not there. With the top of the tree completely bare and the other two branches right being the only ones where the wood of the tree is very noticeable, the top of the tree resembles a cross. Shortly under the cross branches there is an opening in the leaves and branches you can see a steeple from a church in the background. Leaning upon the tree is a shepherd who is flocking his sheep that are shortly behind him in the grassy area surrounding the tree. These elements show religious representation to the painting. In the distance partially hidden in the trees and bushes we see a town, behind that the hills begin to pile together to make the blue and misty mountains of the background.

Historians believe that this landscape represents mountains that are in the Czech Republic which divided Bohemia and Silesia, which is south of where Friedrich lived. Many people have tried to interpret this piece as: the tree represents the german people rooted in the land, the past and present, a symbol of loneliness, or that the solidarity tree is a mediator between heaven and Earth. 

Personally, I chose this piece because it caught my attention, I think the title (The Lonely Tree) of the piece also caught my interest. I really enjoy landscape pieces. I think this painting also has a sense of mysteriousness to it, the hazy mist on the mountains and the overcast skies. There is a lot of focus brought onto the tree and the distant background including the mountains, so unless you look you could miss some smaller subjects in the painting. I like that you have to really look at this painting to take it all in because with only a quick glance you would possibly miss the town in the background or the shepherd leaning on the tree. I also liked the colors of this painting. I think the shadows and highlights really showed focus to the tree. I liked the colors used to brighten up the valley and so show the sky. Another thing I think is interesting about this painting is how it is a religious painting but it is more unnoticed or less traditional. 

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week 9

The Soul of the Rose also known as “My Sweet Rose” was completed by John William Waterhouse in 1908 and took inspiration from the literature of Alfred Lord Tennyson. The Soul of the Rose is a phrase that derives from Tennyson's poem titled Maud from 1855.

“Queen rose of the rosebud garden of girls, Come hither, the dances are done, In gloss of satin and glimmer of pearls, Queen lily and rose in one; Shine out, little head, sunning over with curls, To the flowers, and be their sun.”

Waterhouse was a classical artist who took much from ancient cultures but was also very much in touch with modern literature and art. He also incorporated elements of French art of the same period into his artistic style. The popular aspect of this painting is the connection between the beauty of nature and the female body. The romantic belief is that the females adoration of the smell of the rose in her hand is due to it sparking a memory of a lover. This artwork is also significant because it draws together the senses of sight and smell. Although we cannot actually smell the rose through the painting, we can imagine the odor from the perspective of the female model. I found it quite interesting that Waterhouse chose to paint the image of a beautiful women and an equally beautiful rose. I think this is because those are two things that are known for symbolizing beauty; and by painting both his artwork catches the true beauty and brings a calming element to the scene. The painting can tell us a lot about the Victorian Britain period for women. Women during this time frame just started to be politically active and were able to vote, where all these rights were previously denied.

Right away from looking at this painting you can tell it was created in and for the Romantic period. The way the women is painted up against the brick wall and the way she grasps the delicate rose. The main focus of this painting is obviously the women figure; which is why I believe Waterhouse painted her with red hair, so that she would stand our even more against the brick wall and greenery. The background in this painting is very mute and doesn’t have much to do with the painting which is benefical as it shows no distraction from the main vocal point. Although the height of the walls may symbolize the feeling of being trapped, maybe this women cannot escape? Also the amount of detail put into this art piece is immaculate. The design on the womens dress is elegant and sophisticated with the gold lining. It is truly amaziang what artists can do with a little mixing of the colors and the proper shading and brush strokes. These charcateristsis is what brings this painting to life. The details begina at her dress and go all the way to the beads in her hair and the pink blush on the womens cheeks. I liked how all thw different colors were bright which ecentuated the outdoors arouma. This painting looks very simple which is why I was drawn to it but yet looking deeper into the painting you can see that this is a fine piece of art with much detail and time put into it.

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I agree with your interpretation of Weiwei’s artwork of him dropping the vase! This piece was very controversial but yet can be interpreted in so many different ways which I think exemplifies Weiwei’s uniqueness. These topics that Weiwei talks about through his art are touchy subjects so I think the means of using artwork is very beneficial and even improves his messages. 

Week 8- Documentary

The documentary, Ai Weiwei: Artist and Human Activist, is a provocative artist. He produces sculptures that have to do with today’s issues, such as government and human rights issues. He is a unique artist because he speaks his mind.

Ai Weiwei’s work inspired me. He uses all different materials. One of his most inspiring pieces is the sculpture that imitates him dropping a famous vase from 1985. The message behind this sculpture is different- to me it is him saying that he is letting go of the past. He is in the present and wants to make changes to the art industry. 

His work is both activism and art. His work focuses on today’s issues, but expresses it in artistic form. He uses many different materials in order to get his point across. He is an activist because his pieces include the grenades that he got from the boarder, and then the marble life preserver. These art pieces but necessary items, show the issues in today’s world. 

I believe his work is “fine art” because it takes on time, skill, and expresses emotion and thoughts. My favorite piece that he produced is the kids backpack arrangement. He made this to bring attention to the issues with the children and how they were being mistreated and suffering. 

Ai Weiwei’s work involves government intervention. He is frustrated with how the government is handling freedoms, so he takes that frustration and energy and points it towards his artwork. I believe that his message is necessary today because without him or others speaking out on individual freedoms, then the issues in today’s world would never be taken seriously. Nothing would change without bringing attention to the issues. Ai Weiwei is a necessary artist because he speaks his mind on issues today by using artwork. 

“Remembering” by artist Ai Weiwei

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week 8

Ai Weiwei’s art for me really exemplified the difference between art and activism. Simply put, the goal of activism is action to create and effect of something. Art on the. Other hand tends to not always target a clear idea or message, making it very broad and open upon interpretation. Weiwei’s artwork I think showcases both of these styles, classifying him as an Artistic Activist. This dynamic practice of combining the power of arts to move us emotionally and with the strategic planning of activism, it is necessary to bring about social change. He uses many different techniques and objects to make his artwork, a lot of which is taken from the Chinese dynasty’s. He is known for using wood, marble and household objects to give a unique appeal to his artwork.

His artwork really moves people and sends a message without offending people. And this is where I see his artwork as very transforming in society. If people were shouting with painted signs in the street talking about free speech and how little we value the world we live in, it may draw attention, but I don’t think anyone would truly listen to what you are shouting. Ai Weiwei captures these protests in his art by making a ‘Free Speech Puzzle’ of porcelain in the Qing dynasty or when he had a photographer take three images of him dropping a 2000-year old Han Dynasty Urn. These specific photographs caused a lot of commotion for Weiwei; many did not agree with his artwork and saw it as a disregard to the importance of ancient artwork. Others saw the message of importance as it shows how poorly we care for the past, how little we value it and how everything can be bought, sold and easily destroyed.

The photographs of Ai Weiwei dropping the ancient urn is probably my favorite piece of his. When I look at the series of images it makes me think of how precious somethings are in life; and that once they are broke, they can never be put back together the same again. Weiwei was brought up in a generation that wanted to destroy all these historical artifacts. The government suggested that everyone destroys these artifacts because they represented an older society, not the new one they were currently in. Weiwei’s images of him dropping the urn showcase how truly ridiculous this idea was back then. His artwork takes a stand for those who are too afraid to take a stand themselves. And personally, I feel like the use of painting, sculptures and photographs are a less controversial and direct act against the government. There is a fight that needs to be made and Ai Weiwei found a beautiful way to fight it.

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I really enjoyed your choice of artwork! The fact that the dress is painted yellow I found to be quite interesting because yellow is usually a color that symbolizes happiness and sunshine, yet the facial expressions show quite the opposite of happiness. I also agree with you on the shading techniques- they are quite amazing. Sometimes I feel as if I have to remind myself that I am looking at a painted image not a photograph! The shading truly brings life to a painted picture. Another thing in regards to the facial expressions is her eyes, they aren’t looking at the center of the image or straight ahead- it is as if she is looking at something above her. I wonder what she sees?

Week 6- Saint Cecilia Analysis

For this weeks blog post, I chose artist  Artemesia Gentileschi. I chose her painting called “Saint Cecilia”. I decided to write about this painting because I am religious, and I haven’t heard of Saint Cecilia. I wanted to know more about her. The Saint Cecilia painting is an oil painting that was painted in 1620.

Saint Cecilia painting is her playing a lute with an organ in a bright yellow dress.  The painting is now apart of a gallery in Rome. She painted Saint Cecilia when she was newly re-married. She mainly focused on painting good relationships, and that is why she painted Saint Cecilia. 

Many art elements are used in the Saint Cecilia painting. Artemisia used lots of different lines and shapes to paint Saint Cecilia. My favorite part of the painting is the use of light. She made used lots of shadowing in her dress. Right by her sleeves she uses shadowing, as how the light would actually hit her. She also used many shades of yellow to make her dress as realistic as possible. 

I believe that Saint Cecilia’s facial expressions are at peace. I believe she may be playing a religious/ peaceful music and relaxing while the light hits her just right. 

http://www.artemisiagentileschi.org/saint-cecilia/

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week 6

This artwork was created in 1620 by the painter, Artemisia Gentileschi, and is currently located in the Museum of Fine Arts. This piece is called Jael and Sisera. This specific painting resonated with me visually due to how calm looking it reflects. Some specific art elements that I notice right away is the plain background aside from the pillar in the back. The plan and dark background lets the people in the front stand out more. Having a busy background would ultimately distract from what the image is really about; the murder. Also, the painting as a whole showcases the unique image of the women killing or hurting the men. This is interesting because traditionally men hold the power, not the women. Now, I am not for murder or killings but I am ALL for girl power! I mean taking a better look at her, look at those muscles holding that mallet above his head; she is strong! For what I can see is being depicted in this painting, calm does not seem like it should be showcased. When i looked up this painting it says it was painted to show the momentt in which Jael is about the murder Sisera, a defeated Canaanite general. Now, I would never dream of murdering someone but if I was about to I don’t think my facial expressions or body language would be the same as the paintings. I would probably be crying and shaking hysterically. In this painting Jael, the murderer, is eerily calm almost as if she finds enjoyment in this task. Meanwhile, Sisera is just laying their peacefully and yet relatively close to the person who is about to kill him. Unless he is already dead, I don't think anyone would be sitting so still knowing they are about to get murdered. I would probably be trying to fight my way out of this situation or do anything to get far far away. The way I take this painting to be is that this was a predetermined thing, both people in the artwork have accepted their own personal fate and are coming to terms that there is no other option and no way out. Especially for the person who is getting killed, they aren't struggling to get away, instead they show defeat in their facial expressions and body language. 

At first glance I was confused about this painting and ultimately had a lot of questions on why this was happening and why something else wasn't happening in the painting. I felt like I wanted these “characters” in the painting to live more than they wanted themselves to survive! Also looking deeper  at the image, I found it interesting that she is using a big nail and a mallet rather than the sword sitting in the bottom left corner. A sword would be much easier and efficient to get the murder finished with so this poses a lot of questions in regard to the murdered. Did Jael want to prolong this death of Sisera? Was she not strong enough to use the sword instead? 

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The center panel alludes to the earthly world, a false paradise where humankind has been corrupted by the sin of lust. When you mention the Parade of Desire this statement about the panel particularly reigns true. The men and women are both naked and the men especially are showing off to gain attention from the females. This image clearly depicts the strong attraction and lust from man and woman. I also think it is important to note all the mystic animals that roam the middle panel compared to the left and right panels. I think this just is another symbolism to show that not all good things last and could be leading to extinction of animals. 

Blog Post - Week 5

The Garden of Earthly Delights is a Northern Renaissance oil on panel painting created by Hieronymus Bosch from 1503-1504.  The Garden of Earthly Delights is a folding triptych, the left and right panels fold inwards, and when closed, it shows a meditative image of the world during its creation.  The opening of the triptych reveals three panels, on the left, is the Garden of Eden, in the center, is the Garden of Delight, and on the right side is Hell.  

The first scene that I found interesting was the scene on the left panel of God, Adam and Eve.  On the left side panel of the painting is the moment when God presents Eve to Adam.  The painting shows Adam waking from a deep sleep to find God holding Eve by her wrist and giving the sign of his blessing to their union.  Surrounding God, Adam and Eve are spurting fountains, fruit trees, and a vast array of creatures that call to the pleasures and chaos to come.  

The second scene that I found interesting was the center of the center panel.  In the central part of the panel represents the pond of adultery.  Inside the pond there are groups of naked women paying attention to the Parade of Desire, where naked men are riding different kinds of real and mythical animals around them.  Several men show acrobatics while riding, apparently acts designed to gain the females’ attention, which highlights the attraction felt between the two sexes as groups.  In the middle of the pond, there are a group of birds above a crowd of women.  On the edge of the pond, there is the same scene with birds symbolizing the sin of envy.  On the other side of the pond above another women, is a peacock which is the symbol of vanity.

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week five:

All of Bosch’s surviving artworks are religiously themed and glutted with biblical (i.e., moralizing) allusions. (Gotthardt, 2019) The Garden of Earthly Delights clearly depicts the importance of religion and biblical scenes to Bosch’s life. In the left panel Bosch depicts the image of Paradise with Adam and Eve. I screenshotted this specific image on the panel because growing up I was always told about the story of Adam and Eve. The story goes that Adam and Eve were the first man and woman that God created. They were ordered by God to never eat the fruit from The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil but were able to eat from all the other trees. But greed and curiosity got the best of Adam and Eve and they ate an apple from this forbidden tree. The first man and women sinned against God which to this day teaches people all over the world a powerful message from their story. This story in the Bible teaches that just because God is not always with us, we should still believe him and follow his message. But the image Bosch painted has a twist to the typical Adam and Eve story. In the painting, Bosch painted it as if it looks like God is presenting Eve to Adam; this can be either seen as one of the first days of his creation of Eve or it could be portrayed to an allusion of marriage.

The second image that at first didn’t even catch my eye because it was so small was in the third panel that was painted to represent Hell. The small section where a man is splayed on the harp while just below the harm another man’s life was resigned with sheet music. This third panel was to represent everything from lust to greed to vanity. Bosch’s most striking representation of this subject, on occasions referred to as the musical Hell owing to the significant presence of instruments used to torture sinners who have devoted their time to secular music. (The Garden of Earthly Delights Triptych) I found it quite strange and interesting that music and the instrument were brought into the Hell panel. Of all the things I think could relate to torture and Hell, music was not one of them. I see music as joy and used for celebration, but this is what makes the artwork so powerful; everyone can view it differently and take away different messages from it.

References:

Gotthardt, A. (2019, October 18). Decoding Bosch's Wild, Whimsical "Garden of Earthly Delights". Retrieved June 27, 2020, from https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-decoding-boschs-wild-whimsical-garden-earthly-delights

The Garden of Earthly Delights Triptych - The Collection. (n.d.). Retrieved June 27, 2020, from https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/the-garden-of-earthly-delights-triptych/02388242-6d6a-4e9e-a992-e1311eab3609

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I liked how you brought up the point about exposure to the protests and the artwork that is created from it. Views and recognition is what can turn a painting, an idea, or let alone anything in this world to something big and so much more. The more we talk about something or the more we show it to someone else the message continues; and that means the longer it continues the bigger it becomes. Now I know this may all pertain and ring more true for protests than to a sculpture in a museum but ultimately that sculpture or painting didn’t become famous because only one person liked it or saw it. 

Week Four Blog -

In the article about Hong Kong, Abby Chen’s quote categorizes the rioters and protesters as artists. She thinks that because of their human actions, they are creating art pieces within the world to express their emotions. For example, she classifies a protest sign as a form of art because it expresses emotion and speaks to an audience. She also thinks the songs created during the protest are a form of art as these people try to use music to motivate others to help with the movement. This is what she means when she says “artists are at the forefront” and they “are a part of this light”. She thinks these artists, the protesters, will be the light that is able to make a change in Hong Kong by expressing their desires through art.

I believe art holds a large amount of power during this troubling time in Hong Kong. When these protesters keep creating art pieces, they are spreading the word throughout Hong Kong that change needs to occur. The more people viewing these pieces, the more people are likely to act upon this movement as well. Bystanders will eventually join in the movement because they are motivated by all the artwork to help influence the government to change. If the government sees more people acting out because they believe the government should do something differently, the more likely government officials will change their policies. The government won’t try to change anything if only a couple hundred people believe in the movement. If thousands of people agree and take action, the government will notice this and decide what policies need adjustments.

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week four

In Chow’s article the quote from Chen was very relevant for the protests going on in Hong Kong but I think it also reigns true to present day America. The long overdue protests for justice taking place in cities all over the United States is exactly what Chen was referring to. Now, I don’t know if I would necessarily go the lengths to say these protests are a form of artwork, but I do see them as a form of revolution and an attest to being human. Like Chen said, these protests are about global identity and is rapidly shifting the world. Whether you agree or disagree with this being a form of art, there has been many great art pieces that have reflected or have come to be from these protests. In downtown Birmingham there is a street mural that reads “Black lives matter.” These murals and many more like it are popping up all over the United States and I would definitely consider this artwork. The power of art during this time of chaos proves to be even more powerful than during a time of peacefulness. Art and artists are gaining momentum with the aid of the protests and riots. In a time of uncertainty and craziness the artwork produced can slow us down and can sometimes be more meaningful and impactful than chants and painted signs.

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I loved that you, like myself, chose a Pieter Bruegel piece! I felt like this piece was very important in the Northern Renaissance and for Bruegel’s collection because it had that religious connection that is known to be seen in the paintings during this time frame. During this time frame, religion was big in the arts, which explains why so many paintings depict scenes from the bible or are scenes of churches. Like you stated above, Bruegel was a unique artist and I think thats why so many people enjoy his artwork to this day! His attention to detail really makes his artwork stand out from other artists.

Week 3 Blog Post: Northern Renaissance

The Tower of Babel is a religious panel painting that was done by Pieter Bruegel in 1563 and is regarded as one of Bruegel’s most famous and best pieces. This piece exists as the second of three renditions, the first being done as an ivory miniature painting (which tragically has been lost) and the third done in oil on wood, but was smaller than the panel shown above. This piece was inspired by Genesis, Chapter 11: verses 1-9, when Jesus stands by and watches as a massive tower is built before him. “King Nimrod”, an addition to this piece by Bruegel that was not named in the bible story, exists to show the pride of the king in having his wealth and sins displayed to all to see.

During the Northern Renaissance, it was commonplace for portraits to be used to bring a sense of familiarity to a religious setting, and a majority of panel paintings were done of portraits. Unique to Bruegel, however, he only painted scenes, and rarely did portrait work. 

When researching a painting to analyze from this era, I was intrigued by the number of portraits that were available to chose from. And initially, that was one of the reasons I chose this piece. It stuck out from the rows of portraits that were painted during this era, and I wanted to learn more about it. Under closer examination, I noticed the unique foreshortening of the piece in order to emphasize the size and magnitude of the tower’s construction as well as help King Nimrod’s posse to stand out in the foreground. This piece has a very well defined foreground, middleground and background, giving the painting a cohesive look. In terms of movement, the curvature of the tower’s walls as it moves upward makes it look like the tower is being viewed from a lower angle, the overlap of dirt on the leftmost side making it look almost crooked and haphazard in its construction. 

An important characteristic of the Northern Renaissance is the use of oil paint (mainly in northern Europe), allowing for deep coloration and an impressive level of detail. This painting is no different. Bruegel’s immense knowledge of building techniques and excavation (inspired from the various works he painted from the digging of the Antwerp-Brussels canal. Linked: here). The architecture of the tower is also very Roman, the archways and rounded windows mimicking the construction of the Roman Colosseum. 

Tower of Babel, Pieter Bruegel: Analysis, Interpretation. (2020). Retrieved 11 June 2020, from http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-paintings/tower-of-babel.htm

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week three

“The Renaissance” is described as a cultural “rebirth” of advanced civilizations after nearly a thousand years when cultural barbarism and political and social chaos had blighted the lives of European peoples (Introduction to Renaissance). The Renaissance period produced masterpieces of modern Western Civilization from Raphael, Shakespeare and Leonardo da Vinci. Northern Renaissance artists were north of the Alps and rejected Medieval ideas and instead found inspiration from a classical approach. These artists took a realistic approach to their work and expanded in printmaking skills. The Northern Renaissance was interested in the ancient past and believed it was the guide for present day and was concerned with humanism and its values.

Pieter Bruegel one of the many well-known Northern Renaissance artists painted the piece, The Hunters in the Snow. This is work is one of a series of works, five of which survive, that depict different times of the year (The Hunters in the Snow). This1565 oil-on-wood painting is located in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Austria. Originally, this famous painting was painted for art collector Niclaes Jonghelink, who owned a total of 16 Bruegel paintings. Now this painting is famous within the Renaissance but it’s also the world most popular classical Christmas card design. This cool and calm wintery day depicts the image of hunters making the trench homebound with their exhausted looking dogs. Now although the scene is of a chilly cold night it almost looks dark and deathly as the season of winter is known to be quite barren. I have never had a good eye for art techniques, so I had my research cut out for me with this painting. According to the Encyclopedia of Art Education; Bruegel, per usual, had this painting filled with detail (Hunters in the Snow (1565)). He never left a tree without ‘dusting’ the branches with fine, or the glistening frozen water on the water wheel- Pieter Bruegel was all about the finishing touches. Which ultimately proved his placement in the Northern Renaissance because this time period was known for having more focus on smaller details and the art of mathematics and science.

I personally liked this painting because it reminded me of what I have experienced in my lifetime. Growing up in the outdoors and in the country seeing my grandfather, father and brother return from a hunting trip was quite common. And I will say that I feel as if this painting clearly shows every emotion accurately. The skill-level that was needed to paint a piece like this is remarkable. I was also drawn to the fine detail that Bruegel displayed in his pieces. The detail can really make a viewer experience the painting; the cool winter breeze and the riffle shots in the background. I have always believed that it’s the littlest things that mean the most- and that still reigns true in this art piece.

References:

“Hunters in the Snow (1565).” Hunters in the Snow, Pieter Bruegel the Elder: Interpretation, Analysis, www.visual-arts-cork.com/famous-paintings/hunters-in-the-snow.htm.

“The Hunters in the Snow.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Apr. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunters_in_the_Snow.

“Introduction to Renaissance.” Whatwhenhow RSS, what-when-how.com/renaissance/introduction-to-renaissance/.

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Week Two

I have always been interested in medicine and what it can do for people; and since medicine is constantly evolving it was quite hard to narrow down what innovation I found the most impactful! But in the end I chose Organ Transplantation.

Organ Transplants is a medical procedure in which an organ is removed from one body and placed in the body of the recipient. Worldwide the most common organ transplant is the kidney, but it is also the organ in the highest demand. In the United States more than 94,000 people, including children are on the national kidney transplant waiting list with an average wait time of five years (Organs and Tissues for Transplant).

In 1965, Dr Joseph Murray removed the kidney from one human patient and implanted it in another- this would now be known as the first organ transplant in history. This accomplishment went on to win Dr Murray the 1990 Noble Prize. Since the kidney transplant, doctors are now able to do heart, pancreas and liver transplants as well. This breakthrough revolutionized modern medicine forever and continues to save countless life’s every day. But these people with failing organs don’t just need the doctors they also need healthy people like me and you. The lack of healthy organ donors is affecting the patients on the waitlist and the sad truth is that many people on the waitlist don’t get their donor “match” in time. Becoming a donor is so much more than just checking a box when you renew or get your drivers license- its making the decision that you want to potentially save a life. You don’t have to go to medical school for 14 years and/or obtain a PhD to make a difference.

The breakthrough of organ transplantation and the years of practice has made transplant medicine boomed to the point that more than 95% of patients going through a transplant are not rejected their new organ and are able to add years to their life (Nadiminti, 2005). 74 lives are saved each day as a result of this medical innovation.

The future of medicine is very bright with this innovation. Due to the high demand and lack of supply of organs doctors and medical professionals all over the world are coming together to brainstorm ways to fix this problem. There has been talk amongst the most prestige medical staff to use 3D printing for organs. Instead of relying on the human organs they can and will instead print off the organs in tissue form to ensure it matches perfectly in the patient’s body. Now, this may sound sci-fi, but it is 100% realistic with the aid of companies like, Biolife4D and TeVido BioDevices. This printing method would save more life’s more quickly and have a higher success rate as it is molded for the specific patient. Pushing the boundaries further, there has been talk about possibly trying an organ transplant from animals to humans or even having the ability to transplant the human face from one human being to another. Now both these futuristic transplantations pose a lot of medical and ethical questions but the fact that they are possibilities in the first place are quite amazing.

References:

Nadiminti, H. (2005, September 01). Organ Transplantation: A Dream of the Past, a Reality of the Present, an Ethical Challenge for the Future. Retrieved June 03, 2020, from https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/organ-transplantation-dream-past-reality-present-ethical-challenge-future/2005-09

Organ and Tissues for Transplant. (n.d.). Retrieved June 03, 2020, from https://www.donors1.org/learn-about-organ-donation/why-donate/organs-tissues-for-transplant/

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I also have always enjoyed this painting because of the calming colors Van Gogh chooses to use and just for the reason that this painting is everywhere. I swear every art teacher I ever had in school, had this painting hanging up on the wall! 

Week One

One of my favorite works of art is Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh.  The painting is so beautiful and relaxing to me.  Vincent Van Gogh painted Starry Night in 1889 during his stay at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole near Saint-Remy-de-Provence.  I believe that the blue in the painting dominates the painting, blending the hills into the sky.  Also the yellow and white of the stars and moon stand out in the sky, which makes the painting absolutely beautiful and relaxing to look at.  

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This is the Raft of the Medusa painted by Théodore Géricault - it is currently displayed in the Louvre Museum. I was drawn to this piece right away due to its enormous features; this painting is 16ft by 23ft. Another thing that amazed me was that this piece was completed when Géricault was only 27 years old!