Vocabulary

: for Critical Theory

WEEK 1
Materiality - refers to the materials used and seen in the item/artwork under discussion
Monochromatic - tints or tones of one colour
Symbolic - representative of something, serving as a symbol
An Essential Property - absolutely necessary, a fundamental or central element to the nature of an artwork 
Pictorial Space - The illusionary space in a painting/artwork that appears to recede backwards into depth from the picture plane
Critical Theory - the examination and critique of society
Pictorial Structure - 
Optical Colour Mixing - two colours placed next to each other, the eye naturally mixes them. e.g. blue + red = purple
The Tension....volume vs flatness - 
Traditional or Classical Architecture - 
Colour Field Painting - usually abstract painting, where large fields of flat, solid colour is spread across or stained into the canvas
Action painting - in the moment, impulsive and spontaneous painting - dripped, splashed or smeared. sometimes called 'gestural abstraction'
Prismatic - relating to or having form of prism/prisms
Orphism - the relationship between music and art
Synasthesia - together, sensation
Motif - a repeated shape or symbol in one artists' work
Woodcut Print - 
Facet (with regard to cubism) - Edges of an object (often the cubist sculptures)
Avant Garde - refers to works that are experimental and innovative, often seen as a pushing of the boundaries and traditions.
Signatory - bond by a signed agreement
Manifesto - gives the means for expression, publication and recordings of ideas of the artist or art group
Non-represational - the artist does not supply the content the viewer must to appreciate the work, heavily idealistic and emotional
Some examples....

http://emptyeasel.com/2007/04/17/piet-mondrian-the-evolution-of-pure-abstract-paintings/

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/swirly-flower-bursts-cassandra-donnelly.html

http://www.artdoxa.com/users/deborahbarlow/artworks/4857

WEEK 7

Classicism - High regard for classical antiquity, seeks to be formal and restrained (Italian Renaissance).

Irony - one thing being deliberately contrary to another, usually used to emphasis its meaning.

Stylistic Revivalism - the revival of a particular style.

Pluralistic Society - a society in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority etc... coexist.

Week 1

Excursion to:

ABSTRACTION EXHIBIT - Paths to Abstraction 1867-1917

Art Gallery NSW

http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/current/paths_to_abstraction

This exhibition showcased a number of artists and offered information on; Whistler; Monet and Cezanne; Nabis; Gauguin and The Primitivist Woodcut; The Exaltation of Colour; Cubism; 1912-17 : The Limits of Abstraction. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/euthman/with/2524761116/

My personal favourite from the exhibition was Frantisek Kupka, a Czech painter and graphic artist. Kupka started out as an illustrator, his work didn't become abstracted till 1910 and expressed his theories on motion, colour and orphism(the connection between painting and music). He was involved in the Abstract Art Movement and Cubism, specifically Orphism which focused on pure abstraction and bright colours. Kupka was interested in colour theory and studied he work done by Sir Isaac Newton and Hermann von Helmholtz. This lead Kupka to produce a series of paintings called 'Discs of Newton' (1911-12).


The gallery exhibited one of the many 'Discs of Newton', the colour made circular patterns of morphing all colour in the colour wheel, he was said to be created his own colour wheels and to disconnect colours form their associations. Kupka was exhibited with Delaunay couple (Robert and Sonya), who were highly influenced by Kupkas' colour theory and later paintings.

Information - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/František_Kupka

Week 2

Mondrian's Path to Abstraction

Piet Mondrian was a Dutch painter, his artistic career shifted over the years from Naturalistic and Impressionistic landscapes to Cubist inspired paintings. 

Most of Mondrians' works incorporate a tree, it is his motif that he repeats throughout his changing artistic practise. He was interested in the negative space and believed tht negative shapes were equal to black shapes. His paintings started out with a softenness and subdued tones, he wouldoften use the white space to lead your eye.

http://sirjohnlawesart.blogspot.com/2008/01/piet-mondrian-trees-as-barriers.html

His classic 'Red Tree' seems to evolve if you study his works, the tree morphs into lace shapes creating white space and interesting shapes. To achieve unity in his work he would often alter the landscape, eventually the tree he recreats so often turns into a grid formation. It follows his style, using only one tree, simple layout, strong colour and horizontals along with windy verticals and empty space. The grid form of the tree holds no illusion of a landscape, Mondrian reduced his colour pallete down to the primary colours in these later works.

http://www.tubafrenzy.org/weblog/archives/2005/01/cause_i_got_pac.html

Further influencing Modern Art and Design, for example the 'Red and Blue Chair', as well as modern architectue which follow the horizontals and verticals Mondrian incorporated.

http://pegasogalleryinternational.1stdibs.com/itemdetails.php?id=140405

Week 3

Revolution, 

the Dominate Paradigm in Art History

The dominant paradigm or pattern is usually determined by society, their values and also the art establishments of the time. Artists in particular, often challenge the dominant paradigm and traditions of their time. 

BANKSY
an evasive english graffiti artist, political protester and painter, only known to the world by his trademark images painted on walls all over the world. He has a voice and brings it through his work to confront the public.

http://themostbeautifullestthing.com/

He takes the artwork to the people rather than being approved he puts the message right in your face, on community walls example is 'the joy of not being sold anything'. He comments on consumerism, materialism, politics which is provoked by the deterioration of the world at the moment. Sometimes satirising authority, not intended at the people but the institutions, such as the police force. His simple method of stencilling to quickly get his messages up on walls, has become an influence for younger artists who won't to get their ideas over to the public. 

http://www.buybanksy.co.uk/

Banksy has produced books (Wall and Piece), had gallery shows, although no one has ever met, talked or knowingly seen him.
There are many people who are upset and angry with his work, as graffiti is a crime and costs a lot of money to set right. Some people fear that he is encouraging people to break the law and think he should stand up for his crimes. 
Although most people are intrigued by his work, interested and confronted by his messages, which is his purpose. A rodent is seen in many of his works, this is to represent the triumph of the 'little people' and therefore himself. 


Banksy is making a point of the evolution of authority, by placing CCTV cameras in fine art juxtaposing modern imagery of never being alone and having privacy today. Throughout history many artists have used images to provoke the public, be it the general public and the art public, by putting their works out for the public to decipher it's meaning and impact. 
Goya portrayed many war scenes that confronted society, such as 'Saturn Devouring His Children' and 'Third of May'. Also Daumier painted 'The Third Class Carriage' which caused uproar as he painted lower class people rather than the tradition of painting the higher class. Picasso painted the abstract 'Guernica' portraying the harsh reality of the Spanish bombings. There is a tradition of propaganda agitation, giving another reason for art.
John Heartfield's work was very orientated around war and against Nazi-ism, created for the soul purpose of shocking and bringing the truth to the public, as seen in 'The Spirit of Geneva' where the tradition symbol for peace, a dove is empailed by a bayonet.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davepalmer/cutandpaste/heartfield_big5.html

Another revolution is the photo journalism that bring often horrible images of war, cruelty and violence into reality to the naive public. 

Street art has followed. It is not just a modern phenomenon but it is a contemporary concept to portray meanings as influenced by Banksy, using symbolism to present current issues within our society and bring them into the public eye.

The dominant paradigm is often bought to us by the media, that is newspapers, television and the internet. Forever changing along with what influences it.

HOMEWORK:
                  Political cartoons are often part of this current paradigm, where satirising leaders in an amusing, ironic and often savage way. Examples of art that was created with the intention to be politically provocative...

http://flavorwire.com/81166/islamo-erotica-politically-provocative-or-just-plain-racy

Ironic poster of the juxtaposition of the culture and the violence in everyones lives, especially the Muslin society. This image is entitled 'Virgin', clearly it is anything but and this enforces its meaning.

http://www.notcot.com/tag/art?tag=art&category=&order=&lastn=25&offset=150&blogs=2

Dan Tague Money Prints. The artist bent and folded American notes to create messages to confront the public, showing 'seemingly' hidden words in their currency.

http://tamznews.wordpress.com/page/51/

Patrick Thomas created an art piece of a famous world leader  out of many company logos, essentially saying that the leaders of society have became like the companies of today aswell, materialistic and consumed by hidden truths. 

http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/tag/david-choe/

Abraham Obama is a appropriation of Abraham Lincoln and Americas new president Barrack Obama, bringing up a new consciousness for the American people of what the future may hold under the new leadership of Obama.

http://celebrifi.com/gossip/IslamoErotica-Politically-Provocative-or-Just-Plain-Racy-2078883.html

This image reveals the pressure that people come under the leadership of some. The naked women being the submissive society pulled into an embrace and dance by the leaders, the man in the mask. It is an unwanted tense hold guiding to an unknown, hence the head cover and mask, both are blind to the next move.

http://listenrecovery.wordpress.com/category/emory-douglas-art/

Emory Douglas has a series of politically provocative artwork similar to the one here. 

http://www.watoday.com.au/federal-election/the-leaders/get-real-julia-20100802-1127j.html?comments=298

In many countries when elections come around, the media play on everything possible leaders say and taunt them in advertisements and political cartoons. This one commenting on the strings that seem to be pulling Julia Gillard for every action. They are usually provocative and meant to get the public thinking about their decision, sometimes harsh and often very controversial. 

http://www.smh.com.au/news/news/graffiti-artist-banksy-goes-to-the-holy-land/2007/12/04/1196530623738.html

An image painted by the infamous Banksy, using the traditional symbol for peace, a dove and placing a target and bullet vest on it contrasts the two meanings. His work is displayed for the people and for reacts as they are placed on community walls and streets for everyone to interpret. He often confronts the viewers with heart breaking truths. This dove represents what seems to be the inevitable because of the endless wars going on.

Week 4

Feminism

The Image of Women in Design

There are many issues that have and are still confronting women in the art and design world. Throughout history a woman was often seen as the muse for an artwork not the artist, it took a lot for a woman to do her own thing away from her family. Often a smart and successful women was embarrassing for a family back in the day. In the past woman were repressed under their father or their husband so that they were able to keep ahead or above. 


There was and sometimes still is a submission of women to men depending on their cultural background, upbringing and beliefs. Chivalry used to showcase a mans class and manners but these days it can be taken either way, as being polite or using charm for other intentions. Women are conscious of how history has shaped them and many today have the confidence to stand on their own, although the tradition of marrying and taking care of a household is still quite close to their desires. 


Some of the examples we went through in class have helped explore the issue of feminism faced in the design world.


The article on 'Helene Gordon-Lazareff', the Russian-born designer of Elle French magazine, who made high fashion accessible to everyone of every class through the humour and fun in her magazine. Helene was a woman who broke the mould of tradition for women of her time. 

http://louveciennestribune.typepad.com/media/cultureloisirs/

The start of feminism or the emphasis came during the war when women stepped into the workplace to do the mens jobs and keep progress while they were away fighting the war. Once they returned men assumed that women would just give up their jobs and go back to maintaining the household. Although women enjoyed working and stood up for their right to work and be noticed as a person not just a wife.


 After the war had ended society was very optimistic, Helene with her charm started a preface. The ground breaking magazine was extremely popular and taught women how to use the way men looked and liked them to get what they desire. She wasn't much of a feminist, mainly because she believed women already had equality.

http://ipjblog.com/lapressemagazine/elle/

 Her magazine had a unique look, a swiss inspired style with colour (which was a huge innovation of the time) yet the magazine wasn't just popular for its look. The look and style created an attitude that everyone loved, an attitude that didn't make women feel inferior like most magazines did, with the models and articles. Helene employed Knapp as art director who with Helene's support developed an elegant grid system, a restrained sans-serif typography, and a bold layout. This is what worked and stayed over the years.

http://www.retromag.com/indexa/elle_magazine.html

http://www.letranalumni.org/index.php?option=com_awiki&view=mediawiki&article=Elle_(magazine)?qsrc=3044

These days it has been said that the weekly 'Elle' magazine "looks more like a monthly" (Knapp) without the spontaneous approach that the early days had. It was an innovative magazine and style at the time, it has just outgrown it's era. 


Also the comic 'Blondie' or 'Dagwood', a famous strip about a traditional family. The mother takes care of the house, the children and the husband, who is always having troubles at work or trouble with something.

 It is sentimental and humorous, this is where it appeals to its audience. Although these days it isn't as popular as it once was, when it appealed to almost every family making light of frustrating situations within a family. It is a good comic, well thought out but again it doesn't resonate with people today.

http://www.crazedfanboy.com/nolansnewsstand02/laflapcr139.html

The Marshall McLuhan article on 'Woman in a mirror', basically describes what most advertising did. They would juxtapose images to 'say' what they couldn't under certain censorship laws. Coming down to it, throughout history and into modern society, sex sells. Be it innocent modelling contrasted with another image and an added subtlety to win the viewer or the 'in-your-face' approach many advertisements have today. 


The subtlety that is talked about in the article was an new ingenious way to sell their product and gain appeal for future advertisements. Some may say that advertising exploits, yet the world is over run my consumerist and materialistic values which has forced the continuation of the 'exploitation'.


Advertising today has not really helped women in the fight for equality, not only advertising products but also promoting famous people like Paris Hilton or Lady Gaga, seem to allow a few back steps for the feminist revolution. Although these women know how to use what they have to offer to get what they desire in life - similar to Helene's advice to women of her day.

Week 5

Excursion to Power House Museum  - The 80's Are Back

Report on my response to design solutions/responses to issues at the time.

http://mylifeasamagazine.blogspot.com/2010/06/80s-are-back-at-sydney-powerhouse.html

             After the war the 80's culture rebelled from the traditions. From the exhibition it was clear that music became highly influential in both look and sound. Many artists were put into the spotlight by shows like 'Young Talent Time' and 'Mickey Mouse Club', also the introduction of 'MTV' boosted many artists careers. For example; Madonna, Michael Jackson and ACDC. The music became as much about the look as the sound. Bands and artists tours, albums and dance parties brought people together. This 80's era was all about being optimistic and happy, bringing people together and a freedom from the traditions. Sitcoms like 'Home and Away' and ' Neighbours' were shown at prime time television and recreated social issues that audiences lived, it again brought families together as they watched and empathised with the characters. From this freedom came new and original style. Ranging from music to fashion to gaming and technology.

            A rise of sub-cultures were seen as people strove to be different and individual, often copying or influenced by the music and bands that were popular at the time. Such as metal heads, goths, hip hop, etc.

           Women rose up in the workplace along with their corporate look of braod shouldered jackets, which gave them a sense of power and authority. There was a 'yuppie' generation where everyone had financial freedom, they made the money and spent the money on themselves without feeling any guilt. The media pressured many families to buy what seems like junk, the 'Kitsch' of the time. It was a decade of conspicuous consumption and 'must-haves' for both kids and adults, including the Rubix Cube and toys.

http://www.dimensionsguide.com/rubiks-cube-dimensions/

http://www.france24.com/en/node/4951208

            Many things of the past always get recreated and the 80's is no exception, it is only an example of what is seen today. Yes, the music, fashion and 'must-haves' have been altered for todays contemporary consumers the basis is most likely the 80's. Today's society is reproducing the dance culture, the fashion (for example, Lady Gaga as an extreme) and the music.

           The introduction of technology like the computer, helped business to thrive. Similar to today where technology is forever advancing and helping business to thrive. The concerns of the 80's were focused on the environment, a possible threat of a nuclear war and third world poverty, all under the 'Greed is good' philosophy which galvanised the public into action and protest. Todays concerns are very similar.

            I do believe the 80's was a step towards the value of each other and gender, music and fashion as an expression and individual opinion. The sitcoms, music, fashion and changing society all were necessary changes after the war had destroyed hope. The generations of the 80's were able to live again and all the technological and design advances helped curve them in a positive direction.

http://www.thevine.com.au/gig-guide/?page=2

Week 6

Assessment Task: 1

Contemporary Design Research Presentation.

--HIV/AIDS pandemic in developing countries, talk from TED.com by Frederick Balagadde.

The developing world face a number of issues that we as citizens of a established nation often do not believe to be true or have a hard time in understanding, as we have come so very far in our development. 

'Developing Countries' is a term that is not internationally defined, it can have a number of meanings depending on what country and the individuals cultural background. Generally speaking it categorises the least developed countries throughout the world, parts of South Africa, South America and Asia - I am particularly focusing on Africa and the region named 'Sub-Sahara Africa' (transitional zone between the Sahara and the tropical savanna) comes under this definition for a number of reasons. Because of the countries locality it has little access to advances in technology, architecture and health facilities. There economy suffers and so do the people.

A brief overview of Africa's economy is necessary to understand the full impact of my chosen contemporary response to a social issue.

Being one of the poorest inhabited countries Africa is the home to over 922 million people, the people are the reason for any production of trade, resources and industries. Africas' poor economy was irritated by the Cold War and 'increased corruption and despotism.' 1 

North and South Africa are by far the wealthiest parts of Africa because of connections to neighbouring countries or their wealth in GDP (gross domestic product), along with East Africa that have been successful in trade and development after the war. This is all apposed to the middle of Africa, as I mentioned the Sub-Sahara Africa, which is considerably poor in comparison. A problem they have faced for decades is poverty because of the never-ending famine and wars that have broken out in the area. The country has a striking inequality between urban and rural areas, 'upper class has a much higher income than the majority of the population.' 1

Africa shares in 0.6% of the global share of electricity, with the rural areas of the country lacking any access, this is half the country and those that do have access to electricity often experience power shortages. The traditional resources for energy such as oil or coal are too expensive and although the country has the potential to create a great revenue for solar energy (as they are in the tropical area all year around) African government have yet to consider this let alone act. This would produce jobs, energy and power and income for the country, but because of the current situation it has been overlooked.

Their main source of information comes from the radio, although the television is popular the power outs make them less reliable. An increase in mobile phones has become apparent, people can transfer funds via sms and check best prices for farmer's produce. Broadband is very expensive and limited in the region outside South Africa, yet an increase in mobile internet usage is on the rise. Compared to our society they are only just coming into technology that will allow them connection to the rest of the world. 

'Less than 40 percent of rural Africans live within two kilometres of an all-season road, the lowest level of rural accessibility in the developing world' 1

Sub-Sahara Africa is rich in minerals and are one of the major suppliers of minerals such as gold and diamonds among others. Although they are in competition with Asia in the supplying to other countries, particularly when it comes to oil.

Agriculture has always been a fundamental activity for the Sub-Sahara Africans and this hasn't changed. They hold the largest variety of wild grains that lie along the nile than any other country, they have encouraged other countries to harvest there own wild grains and have themselves domesticated crops and shared with the world. The most successful trade comes from the cotton, tobacco coffee and tea crops just to mention a few. Agriculture designates almost a third of the countries produce, and a total of 50% in exports, it is also in most cases '60% to 90% of the labour force'. 1 

Hard to believe but these people have the strength and integrity to pursue education with a growth in enrolment in higher education as well as seeking university degrees, as an OECD country (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Sub-Sahara Africa is the most educated immigrant group.

Now Health is a huge concern because of the current poverty circumstances, in 1987 a conference held by the World Health Organisation, that helped rebuild the health policy of Sub-Sahara Africa. Allowing for higher accessibility of medicine and facilities as well as cheaper, more efficient health care. A major concern is the AIDs epidemic, many governments have tried implementing strategies to fight the disease and spread awareness. Many face struggles caused by the the insufficiency of technical support in spite of the diversity of reasons for it.3

Their poverty leads to many other difficulties in life. Some are uncertain livelihoods, exclusions to certain locations, physical limitations and restricted capabilities, abuse often by those in power, a lack of security, struggles in relationships and also weak community management. 2

I have chosen a TED.COM speaker, Frederick Balagadde. Who is part of the 2009 TEDGlobal Fellow discusses his invention, the microchemostat, and how it can revolutionise the way we diagnose and treat deadly diseases in the developing world. 4

The developing nation which Balagadde focuses on is Africa particularly the effected area of Sub-Sahara Africa, where many diseases including AIDS/HIV, break out and spread. Without the facilities and knowledge about the diseases people are either dying because they do not know or because they cannot afford the treatment. 

AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by HIV - human immunodeficiency virus5,  simply put it weakens the immune system and causes the individual to be more prone to infections and other diseases, it is transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids, either during sex, blood transfusions, childbirth and breastfeeding. AIDS is now a pandemic, widespread. Accounting for millions of deaths, in 2007 over three quarters of these deaths occurred in both adults and children in Sub-Sahara Africa. The concentration in Africa is about twenty times greater than the rest of the world.

 It is believed the disease broke out in west-central Africa late 90's 5 and as of now there is a treatment available that can slow the course of the disease and it's effect but there is no cure or prevention at this stage. Any drugs that are being tested are often too expensive and unavailable to those in desperate need, the difficulties in diagnosing and treating people with HIV has led to many prevention programs. Educating people on how to avoid infection by promoting safe sex particularly in AID ridden countries, also needle exchange strategies to reduce the spread of the virus.

⁃ Frederick Balagadde is a research scientist in the Engineering Technologies Division at Lawrence Livermore National laboratory.6 Studying in Uganda, Indiana and California. After graduating Balagadde invented the microchemostat, 'a first-of-its-kind micro fabricated fluidic system that mimics a biological cell culture environment in a highly complex web of tiny pumps and human-hair-sized water holes, all controlled by a multi-tasking computer.' 6

In 2003 the World Health Organisation decided to do a program that would lead to the provision of free HIV drugs to all the Africans that would need them, this approach has saved lives of millions of African people. The treatment has actually had a devastating mirrored effect, the profusion of drugs in one area and the shortage of diagnostic services in another there is always the possibility of drug resistance. 

The drug resistance would make HIV more lethal and difficult to treat, the improvement of diagnostic services will help in the fight against the virus furthermore better treatment at a lesser cost and prevent the spread of drug resistant HIV. In the talk Balagadde explains how testing people for the AIDS virus is very expensive, so proposes an idea based on the Microfluidics technology where they control the flow of fluid to a single chip. 

The chip would save costs as it would perform many duties that would take several people to do and is also very efficient, one chip can diagnose 100 patients, for every patient it can diagnose 100 diseases and instead of being at the current price of $65 per patient per test this would only cost $10 per patient. Balagadde believes that as the volume and demand goes up the price will come down.

Balagadde has an innovative idea that has been implemented as a response to the grave social issue of the spread and infection of HIV/AIDS in developing countries. This contemporary design has been scientific and not only thought through as a product but also it's success and benefits and disadvantages of such a program. The team has improved upon existing technology to find an answer to this never-ending tragedy of disease. 

Bibliography

1 07/09/2010 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Sub-Sahara Africa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-Saharan_Africa#Economy

2 08/09/2010 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Poverty

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty

3 08/09/2010 - Xinhua - English

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-10/04/content_5167991.htm

4 04/09/2010 - TED l TED Fellows l About the Fellows program l Watch the Fellows' talks

http://www.ted.com/pages/view/id/391

5 09/09/2010 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - AIDS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS

09/09/2010 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Antiretroviral drug

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiretroviral_drug

6 10/09/2010 - About Balagadde

http://balagadde.org/default.aspx

10/09/2010 - Profile on TED.com l Frederick Balagadde

http://www.ted.com/speakers/frederick_balagadde.html

10/09/2010 - Wikipedia, the free enclyclopedia - Microfluidics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfluidics