The Permanent Collection and Formal Elements

Working with a partner or in a small group of three or four, select a piece from the Permanent Collection of Eastfield College and consider how the artist used the Formal Elements of Line, Space, Light, Value, Color, Texture, Pattern, Time and Motion in the artwork.  In a 250 word comment to this blog post write about at least three of these elements in the artwork you have selected.  Think about how the artist uses contrasting color to emphasize certain objects or areas.  Does the artist use line to create movement and direction?  Does the value or lightness and darkness create an illusion of depth or three-dimensionality?  These are questions you can ask of the work to help you think more about the presence of the Formal Elements within it.  Your writing must include the artist's name and the title of the artwork. 

This assignment is due at 9:30am on Tuesday, December 6. 

Chuck Close: Light and Color

Chuck Close in his studio.

Using your notes taken during the video and information and terms from Chapter Six: Light and Color, write a 200 word reflection about the work of artist Chuck Close.  In your writing discuss how he creates his paintings as well as how he uses unique color combinations to manipulate light and dark values that create the illusion of three-dimensionality.

Paste your assignment as a comment to this post. 
Due: November 15, 9:30AM

Chapter Four Assignment

Various Projects by Andy Goldsworthy

Using your notes as a reference, write a 200 word reflection on the art of Andy Goldsworthy.  In your writing consider how his work addresses the formal element of line as well as time.  This reflection should be posted as a comment to this post.  Due: Tuesday, October 25, 9:30AM.

Chapter Three Assignment



Private England Dragging a Prisoner on a Leash, Susan Crile

At the end of class we talked about the use of art to protest problems in the world.  Many artists use their creative work to give voice to political and social causes.  For example, contemporary artist Susan Crile uses her works to draw attention to abuses at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq (renamed Baghdad Central Prison).  The purpose of this art and works by other "Activist Artists" is to transend the moment of the image itself by reaching a larger audience who will affect some kind of change.  Activist artists often seek media attention in hopes of getting a message out into the world.  

Poster created by Adbusters

As you are aware, there are currently protests occuring throughout the world inspired by the American Occupy Wall Street protests.  These protests are against economic inequality often generated as a result of corporate greed and unfair tax laws.  These protesters are calling attention to major problems in the United States related to the current economy and job losses.  Many of them carry and display handmade signs to convey specific messages. 

Occupy Wall Street protester with handmade sign

Your assignment is to write a 200 word reflection responding to a work of art and how it has been used to call attention to problems in the world.  This will require some research on your part.  Perhaps you should begin by seaching for examples of "activist art", "protest art" or similar search terms.  This assignment should be written and posted as a comment to this blog post.  It is due at 9:30AM on Tuesday, October 18.

Chapter Two Video Assignment



Cai Guo-Qiang, Inopportune: Stage One

 View the Art 21 video titled Power.  This video explores a variety of ways artists address the concept of power through their work.  Consider how power is demonstrated in different ways.  Some artists use power in a very literal form, others create work that conveys a more abstract representation of power. 

Come to class next Tuesday ready to discuss these artists and ideas addressed in Chapter Two.

Chapter One Reflection Assignment

Infinity Mirrored Room 2008 by Yayoi Kusama

Review Chapter One and the notes you took from our Concept Mapping project.  Consider how ideas from the chapter and mapping project might connect to specific images in the text.  For example: is The Gates, Project for Central Park, New York City influenced by developments in science and engineering, a concept listed on our map?  As a comment to this post, write a 200 word reflection on a topic that interests you.  The topic of your writing must relate to our class discussions so far, but is otherwise up to you.  You may write about an artist or idea from the chapter or, of course, the artwork of Janet Echelman.  This assignment must be posted on this blog by Tuesday, September 20 at 9:30am.  Post your reflection by "clicking" on the comments link below this post. 

Janet Echelman

Hi Students.

Please review the website of Janet Echelman.  Next week we'll discuss her work and how it may relate to themes and ideas addressed in Chapter One of the textbook.  You will also need to view her TED video again.  Come back ready to talk (that means everyone!).

Janet Echelman, Target Swooping II, 2001.