Module 12: Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose The Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the ‘50s and ‘60s because I was interested in learning about abstract art in an effort to understand abstract art and how to approach it. I chose the video with Andy Warhol mostly because he is such a famous artist that I honestly knew very little about.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The Abstract Expressionism and Pop: Art of the ‘50s and ‘60s video gave me great insight into abstract art as a whole. As someone who does not consider myself an artist, I’ve always had trouble understanding abstract art. This video showed some of the methods for abstract art like piling on paint to add detail without distracting from the painting as a whole. For me it is difficult to understand abstract art but I learned how in this time period, artists began expressing themselves differently, using abstract art, which was a fascinating way to understand this type of art.

Andy Warhol. Image of an Image was an interesting video to learn more about Andy Warhol himself. It was surprising to learn Warhol did not aspire to become an artist, but ended up working for magazines and developing into an artist. It was also shocking to learn about his obsession with money which explains the mass production of works of art and using silk-screening to recreate portraits. I  enjoyed learning about the process of silk screening which I previously knew very little about, and how it is used to make art, not just clothing.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The text was able to explain the technical aspects of the topics, while the videos gave visual examples and a specific study which brought a deeper more personal understanding of the topics that were introduced in the text.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought the films were interesting as I was able to learn more about some topics that interest me and relate them to the class.

Module 10: Blog Video Review

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I selected the two African themed videos because I know the next thing I’m working on is an African mask, so I’d like to get some insight on African art before such a project.  The videos are African Art and African Art: Legacy of Oppression

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

It was really interesting to learn about African art. Some things that I found really interesting was that African art never seemed to evolve over time. Art from the rest of the world experiences often drastic changes as years pass, but African art did not follow a similar trend; quality African art came from copying previous art, not from creating original works. Also, art was used frequently in African life as it was used to portray the unseen. Spirits and many unsee-able beings were represented using African masks and art to give a visual perspective to the things that cannot be seen. The Legacy of Oppression video was terrifying as it gave insight into the horrors that Africans, and children  in Africa had to face.

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The text was able to explain the technical aspects of the topics, while the videos gave visual examples and a specific study which brought a deeper more personal understanding of the topics that were introduced in the text.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought the films were interesting as I was able to learn more about some topics that interest me and relate them to the class.