Cameron ARH

WRITING, THINKING AND LOOKING CRITICALLY

How did Jackson Pollock go from studying with Thomas Hart Benton and using abstract imagery in his paintings to removing all imagery in his famous “drip” paintings? This answer should be thoughtful and at least 6 sentences long

I believe that Pollock had gradually been shaped in a way by key influences and personal breakthroughs studying under Benton. Benton had a key emphasis on narrative realism, composition, and movement. Pollock for sure had retained a lot of this matter but evolved in his own way when it came to his pieces. Pollock's shift towards abstract art was a result his own personal growth. Through his discover of his "drip" paintings. Pollock still was engaged with his pieces. Pollock sought expression through movement and rhythm. Pollock wanted to be universal without the limitations of traditional symbols. Pollock essentially went from Benton's dynamism towards his own completely abstract way of painting pieces through physical actions.

2. ART PROJECT

1. DESCRIBE THE ARTWORK'S PHYSICAL QUALITIES:

The painting I chose is named, "Annunciation." It's a whopping 323 x 198 cm in dimensions. When walking into that specific room, it is eye-catching and takes up an entire wall. It is vibrant with a lot of warm colors. II Guercino, the artist, uses a lot of gold. The frame and in the center of the piece, there is golden crest that separates the left and right. The size of the angel compared to Mary are the same size, giving balance to the piece. The angel leaning toward Mary showing a gesture shows a certain motion in the piece, I believe giving it rhythm as it diverts your eyes from one side to the other.

2. SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE OF THE ARTWORK:

When looking at this piece it was a little overwhelming. Mainly just due to its size. I felt drawn to Mary on the right. Mary is giving almost a humble yet accepting gesture from the angel. Soft and welcoming.

 RESEARCH:

This painting was painted for the Oratorio dell’Invenzione della Santa Croce, Reggio Emilia. Initially sold around 1787 to Francesco Parigi. Then through many other inheritances and auctions, it was sold to Ringling around 1866–1936. There are many renditions of the "Annunciation." During the reformation, this concept of the angel Gabriel, Mary, and the Holy Spirit was an important doctrine of the Catholic church; so many were made. When looking a bunch of them up, this was the only one with an altar in front of Mary. Looking at the resources, Mary is also seen with gestures that exhibit many qualities and symbolisms of her virgin status, which are conturbatio, cogitatio, interrogatio, humiliato, and meritatio.

YOUR FINAL THOUGHTS:

Unity - Way of making the piece come together as a whole. An example of this would be a bed of flowers. All different but when together it's like one single message.

Variety - The specific elements of a piece that help convey the impact. An example of this would be the framing of a fireplace. It's normally a high contrast of framing that gives off its location.

Balance - Like what gives the aesthetics to a piece. An example would be like "Yin and Yang."

Emphasis - Giving attention to a certain part of the piece. An example would be like a wedding and the white wedding dressing to show off the bride.

Subordination - Addresses balance and coordination in a piece. An example of this would be like the parameters programmed into a medical equipment to prevent medication errors.

Directional forces - Guides the flow of the piece. Easiest example would be a wave.

Repetition & rhythm - Creates a flow of elements and unity throughout the piece. An example of this is like the vasculature of a placenta. It's almost like a tree of life, each one similar to another.

Scale & proportion - Creates depth and perception. This example would be like the Skyway bridge.

2. CONNECTING ART TO YOUR WORLD:

Color has affected me in multiple ways. As a gay man, I have seen and experience a multitude of colors. Hues can be quite funny as people like me tend to be a little too specific on what kind of purple it is. When going out to parades, the floats, drinks, and costumes portray many shades of color of all intensity. Value varies between each person. Whether they like an all-black outfit, or white.

3. ART PROJECT:

Main piece:

Progress photo:

Art and Writing:

For our first virtual sketchbook assignment, the artwork I chose was this print by Victrola Designs. This piece is important to me because it was a gift from a very dear friend. Cats are animals I hold very dear to my heart. Aside from the multitude of cats the colors are my favorite too. Although it doesn't serve a specific purpose, I can look at this and reminisce of a very important friendship. I believe it to be beautiful because of who it is from, and the gesture that was made.

My Written Self Portrait: