Art is such a huge subject. ‘ Choose Two Artists whose work you liked or disliked.’ As we shared our thoughts on this, we began to share positive or negative comments on whatever artists had been chosen so the range of what we discussed was broadened.
Picasso’s work was considered to be rather strange as it represents unusual contortions and character positions, limbs and features in opposing directions. The colour’s used were harsh too. We looked at some of his earlier work which was regarded as very good and more conventional. We wondered what had led to his considerable change in mood.
Tracey Emins work was also regarded as very strange particularly the detritus of the bedroom scene. We concluded that ‘art’ can be become highly valued if it is given a lot of publicity and it raises questions and interest in its content. Also, if it unique and evokes a response.
One member mentioned not liking Installation art however there have been some fascinating exhibitions of Installation Art in the Tate Modern. Such as the Cecelia Vicuna installation on Natural Fibers. It was suspended from the ceiling and visitors could walk through it.
‘Installation art is used to describe large-scale, mixed-media constructions, often designed for a specific place or for a temporary period of time’.
The following piece of art Blocks of Red by El Anatsui was mentioned as not being liked as it seems to be just simple blocks of colour.
“Block of red” in art can refer to various concepts, including: a large red area in an abstract painting by artists like Mark Rothko or Piet Mondrian; modern and geometric art prints featuring red colour blocks. On closer examination interesting detail can be appreciated in El Anatsui’s work such as giant shimmering sheets from bottle caps, reused aluminium, commercial packaging, copper wire, and other materials.
The work of Turner was not liked particularly the sea scenes but his landscapes of Petworth park; designed by Capability Brown, were considered to be pleasing.
Constables countryside scenes of farm life and distant views were regarded as very pleasing.
Also the work of Millais, particularly the drowning woman Ophelia.
Ophelia is an 1851–52 painting by British artist Sir John Everett Millais in the collection of Tate Britain, London.
Sir John Everett Millais, was an English painter and illustrator who was one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood . Ophelia is a character from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, singing before she drowns.
Christ of Saint John of the Cross is a painting by Salvador Dalí made in 1951 which is in the collection of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow. It depicts Jesus Christ on the cross in a darkened sky floating over a body of water complete with a boat and fishermen.
The Courtyard of a House in Delft is a 1658 oil painting by Pieter de Hooch, located in the National Gallery, London. The painting is considered typical of de Hooch’s middle period, in which he painted detailed portrayals of Dutch domestic architecture and courtyards. The painting is signed and dated “P.D.H.
Pieter de Hooch depicts an idyllic domestic scene in a tiled courtyard, featuring women and children and showcasing de Hooch’s skill in rendering architecture.
Instead of making art that looked like people or things, Hepworth began to make sculptures and drawings using abstract shapes. She was inspired by nature and the world around her. She remembered driving through the countryside with her family, and the shapes, bumps and ridges of the roads, hills and fields. She wanted to capture how it felt to be in both the ancient landscape and in the modern world.
Who is Barbara Hepworth? | Tate Kids
Frido Kahlo was liked for her personality and life style with a lesser feeling expressed for her work.
Here are some fascinating facts about her life.
- Frida didn’t always want to be an artist. …
- Frida was six when polio led to disability. …
- A major accident changed her life. …
- She painted her injuries and disabilities. …
- She had a turbulent marriage with famous Mexican Painter, Diego Rivera.
“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away.” “Everything can have beauty, even the worst horror.” “There is nothing more precious than laughter–it is strength to laugh and lose oneself, to be light.”
Our final artist for the evening who was very much liked is Shiree Valentine paintings of young children enjoying the seaside.