The Nataraja

This image here is widely known by Hindus and people interested in religious art as the Nataraja. It comes from Hinduism and is representative of the god, Siva. Nataraja means "lord of the dance". Not only is the Nataraja a work of art, it is also an idol that many Hindu people worship to show their devotion to the god Siva. This image in particular represents both Siva's destructive nature and creative nature as. The circle that engulfs the dancing Siva is representative of the cycle of life that begins and ends at his discretion, the cycle of birth and death. At the end of each cycle of creation Siva dissolves the universe, burning it to ashes through the fire of destruction in his lower left hand, and at the beginning of each new cycle he creates the universe anew, sending forth the primordial rhythms of creation with the drum in his upper right hand. This image is highly admired by millions of people around the world.

I think this is a really beautiful work of art that is simultaneously very meaningful to devotees of the god Siva. The Nataraja symbolizes in art form the characteristics of the god and allows devotees to see what they believe in image form. Superficially, I think the bronze color is aesthetically pleasing and just pleasant to look at.

John Baldessari

An art review in Monday’s Calendar section of the L.A. Times by Christopher Knight highlighted artist John Baldessari's exhibition at the LA County Museum of Art titled “Pure Beauty.” The article seeks to explore Baldessari’s work as a bridge between the artistic fields of painting and camera. Knight includes several pictures such as the one above to show Baldessari’s explicit union between photographs and painting. An interesting remark by Knight described Baldesasari’s work “painting a picture in your imagination — something like a domestic scene by Vermeer.” In following today’s lecture discussion, the comparison alludes to Vermeer’s use of the camera obscura to aid his painting of a scene. Although Vermeer’s work such as View of Delft may not obviously combine photography and painting when compared to the work of Baldessari, his work begins what has had an obvious influence in the development of contemporary art. Other work by Baldessari, instead of painting over a photograph, attempts to create what may look like a photograph or mass produced poster that he has actually painted, like the following:

This method draws more exclusively from that of Vermeer in that Vermeer painted from a reflected image in the hopes of creating an exact copy of the picture displayed. Again, while either artist is very unique not only in his content or style but also execution of his work, it is interesting to draw a connection between the use of painting and camera in the 17th century and its influence in the artists of the 21st century. The article does not state whether or not Baldessari was directly influenced by Vermeer but it would be interesting to see how the exposure of contemporary artists to particular art historical individuals led to the creation of their modern work.

The article can be found at: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/06/art-review-john-baldessari-pure-beauty-lacma.html

The Statue of King Sejong

Hi, Guys~
Please let me introduce the Statue of King Sejong who governed the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. He is known as Sejong the Great ( May 15, 1397- May Feb 17 1450).

He is the best remembered for creating the Hoon-Min-Jung-Eum, the Korean alphabet. Before He created it, people used Chinese script. Therefore, many low class people could not use the language becaue it was too hard to learn. Only aristocratic class used the language. Sejong the Great wanted many low class people to write and learn, so he created the Korean alphabet that is easier than Chinese script to learn. He also made young scholars to make Confucianism country and various science tools such as a rain guage, sundial and so on.

The Statue of King Sejong is consist of copper. it stands commandingly at Gwanghwamoon park in Seoul city. I have visited my country after Spring semester for two weeks and I went there to see the Statue of Sejong. it was a nice statue and I saw a man who was wearing the traditinoal dress of Jeseon Dynasty.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is located in beautiful Barcelona, Spain and has been under construction since 1882. The city of Barcelona is entrenched with creativity, wonder, and revolutionary ideas from famous architects. The monument is a privately funded Roman Catholic Church with a neo-Gothic style and was originally conceived by Josep Boacabella, a Catasian Publisher. Antoni Gaudi, famous for Gaudi Park, is one of the most famous architects in Barcelona. He took over as lead architect in 1884, however Gaudi completely changed the project plans to express his strong religious and nationalist ideals. After the completion of Gaudi Park in 1911, Gaudi promised to abandon secular art and devoted 40 years of his life to working on the Sagrada Familia. Many questions arose as to why the building was taking so long to build. Gaudi's response was, "My client is not in a hurry." Unfortunately, Gaudi was run over by a tram and died in 1926 and was unable to finish his work. After Gaudi's death, work on the project continued under the direction of Domenech Sugranyes, however once again, the Spanish Civil War interrupted the project in 1935. During the war, the monument remained intact, but many of its models were destroyed by Catalan anarchists, who believed the Church was a symbol of conservative religion and had no place in Barcelona anymore. Many years passed until the construction began again in the late 1950's and has continued on ever since. La Sagrada Familia’s current design is a meshwork of reconstructed versions of lost plans and modern adaptations. If you were to walk around the monument, you would notice that there are sides that seem "Disney-like" and other angles that appear "Gothic-like." Jordi Bonet Armengol is the current director and began utilizing computer models in 1980 to speed up the construction process. The final stage of the grand La Sagrada Familia is on its way with an estimated completion date by 2026. The monument is truly a prized piece in Barcelona filled with incredible history. I advise everyone to take a visit one day in their life.

Exhibitions at the Getty

At the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, there is a new exhibition/gallery on Medieval and Renaissance Sculpture and Decorative Arts. Looking into the description, some of the art that is featured ties into some of the discussions we have had in class.

Website Description:

The newly designed European sculpture and decorative arts galleries in the North Pavilion at the Getty Center are arranged according to period and theme, with different materials—including two-dimensional works of art—intermingled to visually and conceptually play off one another.

Each of the four galleries emphasizes a different type of collecting interest.

Renaissance Art in Italy and Northern Europe, 1450–1600 is designed to evoke the atmosphere of a studiolo, a room in which a Renaissance collector would have reveled in the study of classical antiquity.

Collecting in Northern Europe, 1450–1600 reflects an art patron's refined taste and love of beautiful objects, which were often displayed in magnificent cabinets, like the room's centerpiece from Augsburg, Germany. Interactive screens enable viewers to virtually explore its many facets.

Sacred Art, 1150–1600 evokes a late-medieval cathedral treasury at a time when religious devotion inspired the making of sacred objects to be placed on altars for use in holy mass. Stained-glass panels, on view for the first time as part of the permanent collection, take advantage of the gallery architecture's vertical height.

European Glass and Ceramics, 1400–1700 showcases glass and maiolica—objects that, as works of art, transcend mere utility.

I think that this may be something interesting to view if you've been very interested in our recent class discussions or to personally view some of these pieces.



-Lindsey Deasey

A Journey through Time: The Getty Villa

I recently visited the Getty Village in Malibu, California. The following entry is an analysis of the Getty's patronage of the arts and a description of my visit.

In the secluded hills surrounding Malibu Beach, one finds the Classical-inspired Getty Villa. Said place features a wide array of collections from the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art. Modeled after a Roman villa—or aristocratic house—one is able to experience the living style of the era, while viewing Classical masterpieces. The most striking and notable aspect of the villa is the artistic patronage. Patronage has played a crucial part in the creation of art. Although the Getty Villa is a collection of art, it exemplifies the power of wealth in the creation or acquisition of art for public support.

During the seventeenth century, the Roman Catholic Church was the premier patron of the arts. Coupling with the growing Reformation, the Catholic Church sought to gain converts by expressing its might and welcoming message through artistic endeavors; thus, giving rise to the Baroque period of art.

The Getty family—oil tycoons of the 1900’s—wanted to convey a positive message of themselves due to the growing public resentment against the monopolies and abuses of the upper classes. Following on the footsteps of Carnegie—a steel tycoon that built numerous libraries and museums across the United States—the Getty family commissioned the construction of two museums dedicated to presenting art to the public. Particularly, the Getty Villa seeks to present a realistic view of the Roman period.

From the moment one walks in, one descends into the Roman period. The villa features an amphitheater, a realistic reconstruction of the inside of a villa, and an extensive atrium with accompanying peristyle colonnade. Inside the cubicula, one can admire different sculptures and vases from the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman periods. The wealth that takes to acquire such a wide array of art is impressive. Just maintaining the gardens requires immense amounts of capital.

The Getty Villa continues a long-established tradition of sponsoring the arts to influence public opinion. The impressive museum makes the Classical period accessible. Just like the Roman Catholic Church, Napoleon, and many others, the Getty family fathoms the power of art. Trying to lure Americans via ethos—since the Classical philosophies deeply influenced the founding of the American government—the Getty family made a wise choice to feature Classical art. Moreover, considering the might of said civilization and their common man, their choice at exposing Classical art brings a sense of pride and security to the visitor.

Rendition 2 at Hold Up Art Gallery

Joseph Molina Art 5

On the same note as my last post, Rendition 2 is finally up at Hold Up Art Gallery and will continue until Sunday July 15th. For those of you not familiar with hold up art, it is a gallery curated by Benjamin Kaufman and Brian Lee located in the heart of little Tokyo LA and features many experimental, pop, and urban artist such as Sonny Kay, Jeff Jordan, Augustien Kofie, Eric Joiner, Eyeone and many others. As for Rendition 2, it is an exhibit curated by La Graffiti artist Eyeone, and features graffiti artist Adikt, Cache, Christine Villa, Eric Gallegos, Jorger, Kozem, Luna, Skypage, and Swank. If you happen to be in the LA area i would highly recommend going to check it out.

Rendition 2 link: www.holdupart.com/event/11-Rendition2__Curated_by_Eyeone.html

Hold up art website link: http://www.holdupart.com/

Street Art

Joseph Molina Art 5

Banksy

Banksy is one of England's most notorious street artist who's main style is the spray paint and stencil styles pioneered by black le rat of Paris in the 80's. Banksy is known for his many graffiti works popular for their dark humor and political statements. He is Bristol native but has work in cities all over the world, from Paris to New york. Through Banksy I had also learned about other street artist such as black le rat, space invader, Jeff aerosol and many more. A whole movement was underway who mediums involved everything from stencils and stickers, to painted potato's and box sculptures. In fact due to the movements ever increasing momentum and Banksy's ever increasing notoriety, an independent film was made. I have heard many good things about "exit through the gift shop" and would highly recommend seeing it if the film is screening in a theatre some were in your area. I will post a link to the films website below.

However street artist are constantly undergoing many set backs, primarily issues with the law. This is why no one knows what Banksy's real name is or where exactly he lives. Graffiti is still vandalism and against the law no matter how good or beautiful, and for this reason many other street artist end up having their works destroyed because they were done on public property. One exception to this rule is Banksy, if he paints on your wall you could probably sell your home for way more than it was worth. What do you think? Do you think maybe we should have more designated areas for other street artist to express themselves. As far as I know there is only one place like that, and it is in Spain, and as anything local there is one wall in Newport beach. Maybe we should make it easier for these artist to get permits to paint their murals. What do you think? (please respond on the comments section)

Banksy's website: http://www.banksy.co.uk/

Exit through the gift shop screenings: http://www.banksyfilm.com/

The Moving Wall - Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall will be available for viewing here in the Chaffey College area. The Wall display will be held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Viewing will start July 1st at 9:00am and end July 5th at 9:00am. During this time viewing will be 24 hours a day and admission is free. The speedway is located at 9300 Cherry Avenue, just north of the I10 freeway.

Information about the wall from http://www.themovingwall.org
"The Moving Wall" is the half-size replica of the Washington, DC Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. when John Devitt attended the 1982 dedication in Washington, he felt the positive power of "The Wall." He vowed to share that experience with those who did not have the opportunity to go to Washington.

John, Norris Shears, Gerry Haver, and other Vietnam veteran volunteers built the Moving Wall. It went on display for the first time in Tyler, Texas in October of 1984. Two structures of The Moving Wall now travel the USA from April through November, spending about a week at each site.

I was able to view The Moving Wall a few years ago at the Riverside National Cemetery. It was a very moving experience. Looking for my last name and wondering if those lost with the same last name were somehow related. Seeing how many lives were lost and trying to grasp the devastation to their loved ones was thought provoking.

While The Moving Wall is a replica, it is a beautiful work of art. I hope many will be able to experience this piece of history.

Gardens of Versailles

This magical paradise called the Gardens of Versailles is located in northern France. I took this picture about three years ago when I traveled to France with some friends and by far it was one of my favorite places in Europe. If you ever decide to travel here, make sure to bring your walking shoes because this place is huge, 800 hectares to be exact and that is only the garden. King Louis the XIV and former royalty lived in the palace behind the garden, also called the Chateau de Versaille.

Paris

Just returned from a month in Paris. As you can imagine, I had an incredible time and saw a lot of wonderful art and architecture. As I have time to sort through the photos I will post some of the highlights. Those of you taking my classes will likely start seeing some of them in my lectures soon.