Constant Repetition
Dascal Dombis and Terry Mulligan are two artists that use the technique of excessive repetition to produce large scale works. Dombis creates objects with the use of computers, utilizing computer programs whose algorithm lines and patterns generate these large works. In “Rizing 3”, he generates thousands of intersecting lines in different colors that manifest in a layering affect. The work is a on a grand scale. Mulligan uses excessive patterns, and is careful in picking her colors.

Manipulation
Cory Arcangel and Lillian Schwartz work in the digital age. Arcangel and Schwartz create through the use of a computer, and sometimes found objects, to create new pieces of work. Arcangel reworks old Nintendo games by taking away layers to create a film observed by the viewer. In one of his pieces we watch as he strips down to just clouds floating by. In “I Shot Andy Warhol”, the viewer interacts with this newly worked game. Schwartz started at the birth of digital art and continues to create work today. She marry’s the face of artist Leonardo Deviancy with the face of Mona Lisa in a seamless manner. In another piece she creates a color screen that fades and a blob subsequently appears.

The Development of Digital Art
John Lasseter and John Knoll help us to travel the path of animation and computer graphics. Lasseter first started his education in molding-animation with Walt Disney. While working with Lucas he creates Pixar. To his credits: Andre and Wally and Toy Story - are just a few. Knoll takes a different path starting out as a camera operator. He transitions his career from operator into creating computer graphics. To his Credits: Abyss and StarTrek, along with helping to create Photo Shop.

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens . . .



But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

(1)Intolerable Truths, Tony Dove and Chris Jordon.
In keeping with their title both artists revealed an new layer, no matter how uncomfortable, of reality. The movements of the viewer affect the nature of Tony Dove's instillation. As they physically move towards the instillation, the image changes.
Chris Jordon's photos comment on the unseen price of our consumption. The high cost the environment pays for our lifestyle shows an intolerable truth.
Together these artist would make a powerful exhibit on human nature.

(2) Self Confrontations, Jessica Bruan and Graham Harwood.
Jessica's images leave the viewer empowered to make their own story. Graham gives the viewer background information and a small glimpse of the subject matter.
These artists together make you wonder about society and give great insight into culture today.

(3)Paschal Domblis and Jeff Shaw.
These artists both use technology to enhance their viewer's experiences. Paschal created algorithms and used search engines to create lines with the input of color. Jeff Shaw gives the viewer the power to manipulate the screen and the position it holds on the wall. Using technology to enhance their viewer's experience, these artists would complement each other in an exhibit.

October 28, 2009

Distortions: Contemporary Media, Art from Mexico

Distortions’ is the most exciting collection of contemporary art I have seen at The College of New Jersey in my four years here as a student. Each artist created an interactive installation. Their work in the gallery is connected in theme and visual continuity. On the night of the opening, we gathered around the panel of artists and with the help of Ricardo Miranda we investigated the meaning of their work.
Ivan Abreu invited us to enjoy his ingenious use of technology. With much thought he used the anthem of Mexico and its fragile history. By making a mold of the Mexican anthem LP album, he created an ice record. Then he played this ice LP on a turntable. In the beginning you could hear the anthem, but soon the groves started to melt and the sound changed. An eerie sound of ice scrapping and cracking took over. (Like the sound you my have experienced while driving a car that is losing control on ice.) The performance sound was loud and often uncomfortable. The concept was magnificent and very meaningful.

Stevenson

Lord, behold our family here assembled.

We thank you for this place in which we dwell,

for the love that unites us,

for the peace accorded us this day,

for the hope with which we expect the morrow,

for the health, the work, the food,

and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;

for our friends in all parts of the earth.

Liz Marchuk
October 17, 2009

Cui Xiuwen-Cindy Sherman-Frida Kahlo

Although Cui Xiuwen, Cindy Sherman and Frida Kahlo are female artists from different decades, who used different mediums, they all send clear messages about women’s issues through their work. Their work spans over eighty years, and explores the role of women in society.
While Kahlo and Sherman use themselves as their subjects, they place themselves in different situations. Kahlo uses bright colors and textures in her paintings, and in Sherman’s early work, “Untilted”, she uses only black and white in her photos. Sherman’s later work introduces bright colors in unexpected ways. Both Xiuwen and Sherman have innocence to their subjects. Sherman’s subjects are caught off guard by the viewer and in Xiuwen’s, her subjects are often innocent young ladies. I felt in their work that I was seeing something not openly talked about but something women have felt through out the years.
All of the women’s works seem surreal. Their conceptual style bridges their different backgrounds/cultures and countries which they grew up in. Xiuwen and Sherman deal with stereotypes that only woman have had to deal with through out history.
Some might find their work disturbing. Eg: Kahlo places herself on an operating table with the horrors of surgery. Xiuwen shows a beautiful young girl well dressed with bruises on her body and face. While Sherman’s subject is going about her normal day, someone is viewing her without permission.
Their work portrays women caught in situations all too familiar. Their medium skillfully helps portray their message. Unfortunately for Kahlo, her work was not recognized until years after her death. Both Sherman and Xiuwen received recognition and appreciation for their works at an early age and still currently receive wide praise.
I had a chance to see Kahlo and Sherman’s work in person and now look forward to seeing Xiuwen’s work exhibited.

A night in New Hope

night life in New Hope.

New Dog

Old dog - meet the new dog.

Cindy Sherman

Sherman sets the stage in black and white photos, it is a glimpse of the past. In her scenes, she is the blond bombshell often caught in old cliches of times gone by.

Jeff Wall

large scale back lit cibachrome photographs, staged scenes that he has witnessed in his life, or remakes of famous paintings from history. Wall adds his own twist to the mix with his subjects.

Teun Hocks

oil on toned gelatin silver-print, Hocks subjects are the thing I have always wanted to do. Who has not wanted to swing on a christal chandelier? Climb up and look farther into the painting? I love the lite hearted feel of the situations he creates.

Gregory Crewdson

His staged photos have the look of painting, some of the photos taking weeks to set up. The subject is middle America, every day slice of life with sometimes a cold isolated despair and a twist of magic. I felt draw to them.

About Me

It is hard to teach a old dog new tricks!