Artwork and Influence

Artwork and it's influence has developed throughout the centuries. In the video of Jacob Lawrence, it discusses how he knew, experienced, and painted the american scene. He lived in Harlem during the Great Depression and learned much about art during this time. Lawrence speaks of the importance of passing creativity down to other generations, and how the young have creativity but lack the inspiration and outlet to use it. Important factors of art to Lawrence were color, design, pattern, texture, and especially content. First understand the media used and executed, then understand the content the image is saying or expressing. In the readings, it is learned that Lawrence continued to use basic paints that he used as a young child in Harlem for his artworks as he grew older. He continued to use unsophisticated materials because he wanted to emphasize the fact that he wanted every viewer to understand and analyze his work. Lawrence believes a painting needed to have universality, clarity, and strength. These elements make the painting noticeable, but attractive and understandable to the everyday person.

The next video discusses Faith Ringgold who was born during the Great Depression in Harlem. Her media was especially interesting because she painted on quilts which were called story quilts. She was also a big advocate for women's rights and was a leader in protests to open galleries to African American artists, especially women. Ringgold wanted to equalize things for women who were not given as much of a voice. What was especially important to Ringgold was for you to say who you are, and not let someone else do it for you. In the readings it discusses how Ringgold held trunk shows for her pieces to bypass the art critics and others who would not display her works in their galleries and shows. Many of Ringgolds pieces were made to show the everyday people of Harlem and what their experiences were. 

Romare Bearden was another influential artist in Harlem. His style was to make collages from different materials of paint, paper, magazine etc. One of his very influential pieces was the Odysseus series where he changed the story to be about an average day in life for African Americans, it was a metaphor for what they have experienced. He used his work to show a universal framework that every story relates to everyone in some way. The readings discuss how Bearden's works used different materials to create his metaphors. A great deal of his works were influenced by jazz and the rhythms and variations etc are reflected in his work. 

Fauvism was an art movement that was prevalent in France. It was for the French avant garde. The pieces that came from it were of vibrant color, based on feeling, impressions, and were simple with few details. This is similar to the African influence that pieces had on artists because it was not the normal. Fauvism was also representational and abstract without being naturalistic. 

Another artist from time that had a great influence after his death was Amadeo Modigliani. He was an Italian Jewish artist who was interested in expressionism, the abstract, and non -western arts. His works were portraits rather than landscapes. He was greatly influenced by African art such, specifically masks, Many of his sculptures represented this with elongated faces, closed eyes, and other elements of a traditional African mask. This relates to reading on African Influences in Modern Art. Artist were drawn to African sculpture and artifacts because they had a sophisticated approach to the abstract representation of the human figure. Modigliani sketched many elongated faces of Baule masks and figures as well. These works emphasized the human figure in a way that was not naturalistic, but had a purpose. 

A video that was interesting to view was of the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda. It was a film showcasing all of the dresses and other clothing that designers had created. They took inspiration from Greek dress such as gold accents, and flowing dress. Many of the pieces looked as though it expressed a god or goddess like appearance. Another video of Norma Kamali discusses how fashion is also an art expression. Kamali stated that if you feel good about yourself, then you will look good in what you are in. There is a timeless style when it comes to some clothing pieces, and it stays with a person overtime which makes such pieces more valuable. Kamali also states it is good not to change things all the time. These videos relate back to the readings of Classical Art and Modern Dress. Artist have changed as much as they have preserved the qualities of ancient Greek garb. Artists have learned and utilized many techniques to try and mimic ancient dress that clings to the body and folds in a specific way. Fashion design has been influenced by ancient styles, just as much as traditional art has.

All of the videos enhance what was in the readings. The accounts from Lawrence and Ringgold themselves added a more personal factor as to why art was so important to them and how it really did tell a story. Artists like these had such great influence, and not just for the art world. Ringgold was an advocate for those who were not represented well and that is a strong message. The content also shows how outside characteristics and cultures can impact representation in art in different parts of the world. Modigliani was greatly influenced by African works when he was surrounded by so many other styles and influences. Greek life also still impacts life today, especially in the fashion world. There is art in everything from magazine clippings to clothing, people just have to see it.