Category: Art

This week, we looked at Durer’s most iconic self-portrait. Below is another self-portrait of his that I would like you to analyze. Think about composition, color, setting, pose, what is the overall tone? This needs to be two paragraphs of good information. As much as I love to hear your opinion in class, this is all facts with supporting evidence.
Albrecht Durer, Self-Portrait, 1498, oil on panel, 20 x 20, Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain
Written response: this will be a regular journal assignment responding to the prompt. There should be specific examples. Don’t just tell me “in the Lamentation,” but WHERE specifically, “the emotion is seen on Mary’s face within the Lamentation scene.” I cannot stress this enough. Two to three paragraphs of good information that answers the question – no fluff, not giving me background on the artist, the movement, elaborating on the Biblical story, etc. Only relevant facts that pertain to the question. Please do not upload a Word document, just type straight into the text box.

Review the definitions of Apollonian and Dionysian responses from Chapter 2. I have included a brief description below, but you may find more information in Chapter 2 of the textbook. Apollonian: Dominated by reason and disciplined analytical, rational, and coherent thought; seeks objective analysis Dionysian: Dominated by feelings, intuition, and freedom from limits; involves the personal and emotional, beyond reason Write your two responses. When you are ready to write, first take a moment to observe what is initially coming up for you when you look at the work—any emotions, associations, connections? Then write your two responses. Your post should: Identify which art work you are analyzing (work name, artist name, and year if known) Include a description of BOTH an Apollonian and Dionysian response (for clarity, label which response is which so that I can accurately grade your assignment). DO NOT simply post whether or not you like the art—explain your opinion through these two lenses and give support (Why do you feel/react that way? If the piece reminds you of anything, what part of it specifically are you connecting to something else?). I am not grading you on the accuracy of your analysis; I am looking for a demonstration that you took time to understand the difference between a Dionysian and Apollonian response as well as attempted to think critically about the art. DO NOT plagiarize the descriptions or analysis of your chosen work from the textbook, the websites linked above, or any other sources. Your assignment should be YOUR responses to the work. If you do quote a source, use MLA citation, though I do not recommend using quotations in this assignment. Be at least 300 words total (each response should be at least 150 words). Your post should reflect understanding of the topic(s) and critical thinking. Include correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

Overview
Tattooing has a long and varied tradition, dating back 1,000 years. During the early 19th century, the art of tattooing was brought from Polynesia to Europe by sailors, and was mainly the domain of men. In the present day, however, tattooing has become ubiquitous, with both men and women adorning their bodies with tattoos, often as a fashion statement. In fact, in America today, one in five people have tattoos, and 36% of people aged 18-29 have tattoos.
Assignment
In this Discussion, you will select a specific image of a tattoo, then post a 500-750 word analysis in which you explain the primary purpose or function represented in the tattoo. You will base your analysis on the concepts from the reading and videos, as well as your own ideas and insights.
Instructions Before you begin, review the reading and study guides for pages 20-34 of Artforms. Also, be sure to watch the Content – Video Lecture: The Purposes and Functions of Art Organize What You Plan to Write
Important! Approach this discussion as you would if you were writing a college paper. In other words, don’t just start writing in the discussion board without having a plan. I recommend that you open a Word document and write a polished 550-750 word paper, then copy and paste this into your discussion post. Outline – Start with an outline and organize your analysis into separate topical paragraphs that begin with topic sentences (see below). It may be helpful to use headings.
First Paragraph – In your first paragraph, introduce and describe the tattoo you chose and clearly state the primary purpose or function represented in the tattoo. You will explain more in the subsequent paragraphs.
Subsequent Paragraphs – Support your choice of purpose or function in each of the subsequent paragraphs. Use reasoning that demonstrates a clear understanding of key concepts from the reading and videos.
Topic Sentences – At the beginning of each of the subsequent paragraphs, write a concise topic sentence that clearly states the key point you plan to make in that paragraph. This approach will make it easier for your reader follow your key points and how they support your choice of purpose or function.
Stay focused on the tattoo you are writing about and don’t wander off-topic. Support your key points with clear descriptions and observations of the image you selected.
Step One – Search for an Image
First, you must search online for a clear image of an actual tattoo. You will post this image in Step Two and use it as the basis for your discussion. If you like, you may share images of your own tattoos. In either case, please only select images that are appropriate within the standards of this institution – NO nudity or anything too graphic, and please post images that are clear and easy to discern. High resolution images are preferred.
Helpful tip: Think out of the box. As you search for an image, don’t limit yourself to only traditional tattoos. There are so many complex, original and beautiful contemporary tattoos, out there. Select a design that is really interesting to you.
Step Two: Post in the Class Discussion Your post is worth 80 possible points
First, post the image you found in Step One. Follow these instructions that explain How to embed an Image in a Discussion Reply as a StudentLinks to an external site.
Next, in 500-750 words, explain how the tattoo you chose is an example of one of the Purposes and Functions listed below. Please note that the tattoo might be an example of a few different purposes and functions. However, you must select only one purpose or function, the one that bestapplies to the tattoo you chose, then cogently explain and justify your choice based on concepts from the reading and videos. Please note that because of the personal nature of tattooing one’s body, all tattoos might be viewed as Art as Self-Expression. As such, please do not write about the tattoo as Art as Self-Expression unless the tattoo truly expresses something unique and autobiographical about the person wearing the tattoo.
Helpful tip: Before you write your post, take some time to apply what you know about each of the purposes and functions to the tattoo you chose. Write down the characteristics that would qualify the tattoo as being Art as Commentary, Art for Worship and Ritual, Art for Commemoration, etc. Do this for each purpose and function listed below. This process will help you identify the purpose and function that best applies to the tattoo you chose.
Purposes and Functions of ArtArt as Commentary
Art in Worship and Ritual
Art for Commemoration
Art for Persuasion
Art as Self-Expression (unique and autobiographical)
To help you think about your post, consider the following:(You are not required to answer each of these questions. This list is included to help get you thinking.)
What are the main features of the tattoo? Describe them.
What makes it unique compared to other tattoos you’ve seen. Explain.
What is the level of skill or training required to execute the tattoo?
Is there a tradition behind the design? Describe it.
Is the tattoo a symbol of a group? If so, tell us about that group and why they use this style of tattoo.
What type of statement is being made by the person wearing the tattoo?
You are welcome to do more research about the tattoo, but it is not required. I’m mostly interested in your original thought and how well you apply concepts from the reading and videos. Remember to cite your sources and do not plagiarize or cut and paste information from the internet!
Step Three: Respond to Two Classmates
Each post is worth 10 possible points (20 points total)
Next, review the posts of your classmates. Post a substantive and cogent response to a post by two different classmates (at least 100 words each). Consider the key issues that underpin this topic, including the characteristics of the tattoo, the statement being made, the training/skill level of the artist, traditions, personal choices, etc.
Do you agree or disagree with their reasoning for their choice of purpose or function? Why or why not.
Did they leave out something important? If you think so, introduce this to the discussion.
Did you find something interesting in the post, but you don’t fully understand? Politely ask them to clarify for you.

This section deals with the Ephrussi family through World War II, and what happens to them and to their art. Remember – art includes architecture and fine crafts.
Choose one of the topics below, and write an essay ( 5 paragraphs) giving your thoughts. Due by Wednesday night.
1. You’ve likely read many accounts of Nazi raid and Jewish persecution at the start of the occupation, but did anything surprise you or stand out in this account of the takeover of the Palais? What, and why?
2. Viktor and Emmy received vague warnings about the coming threats and were encouraged to flee their home. Would you have been able to walk away from such history and treasures without knowing what was ahead?
3. Viktor essentially sacrificed the Ephrussi dynasty for the sake of his new home country, Austria. Do you think anti-Semetic pressure drove him to become a perfectly loyal citizen, or did Viktor’s allegiance represent his true feeling? Why?
4. Anna, in the midst of working at the orders of the invading Germans, manages to hide away the entire collection of netsuke, piece by piece. Think about what the Nazis would have done to her had they found out she was hiding art from them. Discuss why you think she did this.
5. One of the overriding themes of this section is how the Nazis took what they wanted. Discuss three of the ways the Nazis “took” work. Give specific examples for each. Then discuss why you either believe what the Nazis did was legal and/or justified, or why you believe it was not legal and/or justified.
6. Chapter 29 discusses the issue of restitution – what happens once the war is over to those whose property was damaged or taken. It illustrates a number of the issues involved – how to determine what was taken, its value, who should get the restitution, how much restitution, etc. Choose three of the issues mentioned in this chapter, and discuss your viewpoint on these three. What do you think should have been done versus what was done, and why?
The book we are reading is called The Hare with Amber Eyes A Hidden Inheritance

This section deals with the Ephrussi family through World War II, and what happens to them and to their art. Remember – art includes architecture and fine crafts.
Choose one of the topics below, and write an essay ( 5 paragraphs) giving your thoughts. Due by Wednesday night.
1. You’ve likely read many accounts of Nazi raid and Jewish persecution at the start of the occupation, but did anything surprise you or stand out in this account of the takeover of the Palais? What, and why?
2. Viktor and Emmy received vague warnings about the coming threats and were encouraged to flee their home. Would you have been able to walk away from such history and treasures without knowing what was ahead? 3. Viktor essentially sacrificed the Ephrussi dynasty for the sake of his new home country, Austria. Do you think anti-Semetic pressure drove him to become a perfectly loyal citizen, or did Viktor’s allegiance represent his true feeling? Why?
4. Anna, in the midst of working at the orders of the invading Germans, manages to hide away the entire collection of netsuke, piece by piece. Think about what the Nazis would have done to her had they found out she was hiding art from them. Discuss why you think she did this.
5. One of the overriding themes of this section is how the Nazis took what they wanted. Discuss three of the ways the Nazis “took” work. Give specific examples for each. Then discuss why you either believe what the Nazis did was legal and/or justified, or why you believe it was not legal and/or justified.
6. Chapter 29 discusses the issue of restitution – what happens once the war is over to those whose property was damaged or taken. It illustrates a number of the issues involved – how to determine what was taken, its value, who should get the restitution, how much restitution, etc. Choose three of the issues mentioned in this chapter, and discuss your viewpoint on these three. What do you think should have been done versus what was done, and why?
The book we are reading is called The Hare with Amber Eyes A Hidden Inheritance

I will send you a video to watch and you need to write a reflection page on it. It’s easy Submission 1: For this project, individual student needs to write a 2 page reflection to the recorded presentation of our guest speaker’s talk on ‘The Right to Home, Built Environments Where everyone can thrive’. Please make sure you address your responses in the following order:
1- Introduction of the topic
2- Significance of the topic
3- What are the examples?
4- Conclusions
Be prepared to discuss your takeaway during the next session.

Assignment 2: A Critical Exploration of Public Art Due at end of Week 5 | 20 Points
First, you will read 4 (brief) articles:
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/power-and-politics-of-installation-art/index.html
https://www.kcet.org/shows/artbound/what-is-the-role-of-public-art-in-creating-a-sense-of-a-city
https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/richard-serra-tilted-arc
NYT article attached as PDF: “In New York and More, Public Art is Taking on Thorny Social Issues” (PDF attached in the Week 5 folder)
While reading these articles, internally consider: Can public art be neatly defined as a category? What are some definitions of public art according to the articles? What is the purpose of public art – is there more than one purpose? What role does public art serve?
What matters more – the intention of the designer/artist, or how the public/audience experiences the work? Is there nuance to this?
For the assignment submission, you will write a paper.
The paper should consider both the broad topic of public art and one specific case study. This means you will select one piece of public art (local for you or international/well-known) to analyze in your critical exploration of public art. You do not have to have seen the artwork in person.
Public art must be freely accessible to the public (no cost to view) and in a public viewing space. This does not include art situated within institutions/buildings which one must pay to enter. Do not choose a piece of artwork located in a museum.
The paper should include:
What you believe the purpose of public art is. Is there a singular purpose, or can there be multiple purposes to public art? What makes something public art? This should involve referencing specific points from the articles (and citing what you used).
A photo of the public artwork which you have chosen (your case study).
The title, artist, date, and location of your case study.
Identify for the case study: The purpose of the specific work – what were the artist intentions in creating this piece of art? This may require some digging.
How the work fits into its environment – what is its physical context? Why is it in that specific place? What about the artwork’s content makes it appropriate for that space?
How does the public interact with the artwork? Does the public like it or dislike it?
Your opinion on the work – do you like it? Do you think its effective in its space? Does the work serve the purpose designed by the artist?
Formatting: Paper should be 2 – 5 pages, size 12 font, and double spaced.
Citations should be in parentheses after quotes or references within paragraphs. References at the end of the paper should list the articles assigned to read for this assignment.
You should use an approved manual of style for listing your citations. APA format .

For this assignment, write a 4-5 page, double-spaced paper (with separate cover and bibliography/notes page), using the standard essay format, comparing these two images: Jacob Lawrence’s The Library, 1960 with Miguel Cabrera’s Portrait of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, c. 1750.
Consider the formal elements of color, space and line in these paintings. How does each of these elements inform or influence the deeper content and meaning of these works? Also, take into consideration when the images were made (their context). Does this influence or affect our reading of them? For example, Lawrence’s image was part a series of works that documented the lives of Black Americans’ relationship to libraries, whereas Cabrera’s image is a posthumous portrait of the poet. The time period in which these images were created is important to how to understand them. Explain.
Note: Your paper should be written in the third person—a more objective mode of presentation than the first person. This paper must follow all the guidelines set out in the syllabus. Please use standard Chicago style format and cite at least two sources in your paper. Please turn it in as a Word .doc file or a PDF.
Late papers will be reduced one full grade for each day late.