Frank Stella’s Black Series Paintings

Introduction Frank Stella is a prolific American painter working in the minimalist genre. His works display an array of skills and high technical mastery while also challenging the idea of art as a monolith. In particular, the present discussion will concern his “Black Painting” series – a collection of early...

Elements of Art in David Composing Psalms

David composing the Psalms is an illumination from the renowned Paris Psalter CA, 950-970, in which the artist employed the illuminated manuscript medium (McClanan, FIG.14-9). A plane is a horizontally oriented flat surface that functions in two and three dimensions. When studying the surface of a relief sculpture, it is...

Terracotta Warriors: History, Mystery, and the Latest Discoveries

At first, the terracotta warriors were discovered by accident by farmer Yang Zhifa. When Zhifa was digging a well, he uncovered pottery fragments in March 1974 (Cartwright n.p). The pottery resulted in discovering the initial fighter of the influential terracotta military. During the Qin dynasty, the first emperor, Qin Shi...

“The Journey of the Magi” by Stefano di Giovanni

Introduction The Metropolitan Museum of Art is among the most well-known art institutions in the world. The museum was established in 1870 to provide art and arts programs to the citizens of the United States. The main structure in New York City is located on Manhattan’s Upper Eastside. Its exhibitions...

Diego Rivera and Mexican Muralism

Introduction The Mexican muralist movement was a period in art when revolutionary art was accepted as part of a cultural hub. While muralism has a long history that can be traced back to early cave paintings, the most essential or pertinent works to modern culture were made during the Mexican...

A Philadelphia Museum of Art Experience

Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most sophisticated museums in the US. It is also one of the most visited museums in the nation and is reported to offer satisfactory experiences. The museum, offering both historical and contemporary artworks covers the visitors with various types of experience. My...

Christian Boltanski in History of Art

Christian Boltanski is one of the most famous self-taught creators globally, originally from France and Paris. Christian was engaged in various types of art, starting with painting and sculpture in the classical sense and ending with photography and cinematography. He directly touched on the symbolic themes of the passage of...

Islamic Architecture in Its Historical Context

Islamic architecture represents a mixture of secular and religious styles dating to the origin of Islam to the contemporary world. The architecture works reveal various factors that contributed to the uniqueness of this art, including cultural interaction and religious affiliations. While these architectural components remain one of Islam’s identities, the...

Color in “Superman for All Seasons” Book by Loeb

Superman for All Seasons is a renowned comic piece around the world. The story surrounds the life and personal experiences of Clark Kent: an abnormal fellow who enters planet Earth from a foreign one, Krypton. The young boy lands in a meteor-like spaceship that falls close to Smallville, Kansas, on...

Benin Bronzes Returning Back to Nigeria

The Benin Bronzes are a contentious issue because they form a significant appreciation in the general culture of the African culture both to the Nigerians and the African continent as a whole. According to Dan (37), another controversy results from who is dignified to retain ownership after they are deaccessioned...

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Fresco and Rivera’s “Man…”

Both Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Fresco (1508-1512) and Rivera’s Man, Controller of the Universe (1934) seek to depict man’s place in the world. The Sistine Chapel fresco was commissioned by Pope Julius II for the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace and was painted by the Florentine artist Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni between...

Hendrick Avercamp, the ‘Mute of Kampen’ Artist

Known as the ‘Mute of Kampen,’ Hendrick Avercamp was a non-verbal artist of the late sixteenth-early seventeenth century who specialised in writing winter scenes. His depictions of the Dutch winter have been highly appraised by patriots because they realistically depicted the daily living of the newly-created Republic of the United...

Great Sphinx of Giza in Ancient Egypt’s Culture

The Sphinx is a colossal structure, the mystery of which still is not completely revealed. Located near the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt, this monument is considered as one of the most recognizable relics, whose origin, despite the number of researches, remains unclear (History.com Editors). Professor of Philosophy at Marist...

Memory by René Magritte Review

The artwork that was chosen to be explored is Memory (1942) by René Magritte. Originally titled La Mémoire, it was created in 1942 with oil on canvas and its size is 30 x 22 in. or 75,4 x 55,4 cm. This work is stated to having been exhibited in the...

Creativity and Its Importance for Art

Creativity is generally the ability to generate alternative ideas and possibilities crucial for solving problems, entertaining ourselves, and communicating with others. In architecture, creativity means putting effort into creating the physical framework that enables us to live the way we do instead of falling into the lifestyles passed through generations...

Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son” Painting

The work of art titled The Return of the Prodigal Son is one of the most insightful and significant oil paintings by Rembrandt van Rijn. This masterpiece depicts the final episode of one of the Bible narratives: a reunion of a long-wandering son with his father accompanied by forgiveness and...

African American Culture and Identity in Visual Arts

Introduction Different looks towards something gives a theory and history of ideas regarding identity with consideration of visual arts and practices in the African American culture. With the early modern belief that art is an expression of a person, the painted picture expressing a coherent viewing point has led to...

Sculptural Perspectives: Kritios Boy and the Dying Gaul

The Kritios Boy and the Dying Gaul are remarkable monuments of ancient sculptures. Although the significance of both statues is excellent, they are very different works of art. The purpose of this essay is to compare the two sculptures and analyze their similarities and differences. First of all, it is...

“An Ofrenda for Dolores Del Rio” Artwork Analysis

The Chicano Movement gave rise to a Chicano cultural identity with which many Mexican Americans associate themselves to this date. It constitutes a unique mixture of both American and Mexican cultural aspects which shape its basis. The Chicano culture is the result of the American Mexicans’ experiences and their ability...

Michelangelo Buonarroti’s Background and Career

Artist’s Background Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni was simply known as Michaelangelo. He was an Italian poet, painter, architect, and gifted sculptor of the Renaissance who had an unmatched influence on Western art. He was an apprentice to a sophisticated painter before joining the Medici family to enhance his sculpture...

Cave Drawings of Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc and Lascaux

Cave paintings are the oldest and most interesting source of knowledge about the cultural development of the past millennia. Each new image uncovered is an encouragement to a better understanding of the ancient world. The two remarkable finds, the murals in the Lascaux and Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc caves, are both the greatest...

Modern Art History Based on Picasso and Cezanne

Barr, Alfred H. 1941. “Modern Art Makes History, Too.” College Art Journal 1 (1): 3-6. The reasoning on the relevance of art regarding its role during individual periods and the impact on the overall context of art history is the basis of the article by Barr (1941). The author assesses...

Introduction to Modern Art: Stylistics

What is Stylistic Evidence? To examine a masterpiece, historians may use specific methodologies on particular art’s features basis. Stylistic evidence is one of the approaches to recognize the age of an example of art. It applies to a distinctive way of artifact production that may be common to a certain...

Issues Involved and Arising in the Brancusi and Veronese Art Trials

Introduction The link between art and its legal interpretation is quite complex. This is mainly because it encompasses issues relating to hybrid criminals as well as civil laws. It ranges from regulation of artistic expression to art market. These include intellectual property, art protection as property and morality offenses like...

Symbols in Ancient Sculptures of Zeus

Ancient Greek gods and goddesses often had particular traits or symbols that were typically associated with them. In this paper, I will discuss the symbols representing this deity and that people may see on almost every Zeus’ sculpture. In Greek mythology, Zeus is the god of lightning, thunder, and the...

Interrelationships Reflection in Art

Description In ancient times, art was even used as mental therapy; it was believed that under its influence, a person’s character, feelings are formed, psychological problems are healed. People get the opportunity to improve, develop spiritually, and find spiritual balance, harmony due to art. Some artists are inspired by the...

Art Conservation and Restoration as Ethical Issue

Introduction The role of museums, art galleries, and private collectors is to ensure that the art in their possession is well preserved. This is an ethical issue that is expected of them, and the aim should be to maintain the aesthetic value of the piece of art, though economic considerations...

Cultural Identity and Theater Aesthetics

Theater in the twenty-first century is characterized by the examination of various topics related to diverse aspects of human life. Cultural identity is one of the areas explored with the help of theatrical aesthetics. It is noteworthy that the issues related to identity have been recurrent throughout the history of...

Romeo and Juliet: The 2019 Version Play Review

Romeo and Juliet is one great historic story that is set on tragic romance. The 2019 version of the original play depicts much energy and character amongst the cast. This is seen from the onset of the play where the trapdoors burst open and from underneath the first two performers,...

“Indian Fire God” Painting by Frederic Remington

The purpose of art is to provoke thoughts and evoke associations in the beholder. Some works attain this objective through the beauty of their images, whereas others rely on different strong emotions. Art has many sources, and, while some paintings focus on the depiction of actual events, other pieces reflect...

Art Reflection Paper: Drawing vs. Photograph

For every individual, inspiration arises from different things; however, what is common to everybody is that it gives an artist an idea and enthusiasm and triggers the process of creation. It is difficult to predict where inspiration may lead the creator: it can result in the immediate image of the...

“The Awakening Conscience” by William Holman Hunt

Art Creation and Reflection There are many types of art, and each person perceives them differently. Personally, I prefer portraits and still lives to other kinds of painting since these genres best represent the true shades of images and objects portrayed by artists. In this respect, the works of William...

“Warrior With Trophy Head”: Analysis of the Piece of Art

Introduction Ancient people have not left a wide range of resources about their lifestyle. Modern people know a measurable number of written memorials, so archeological artifacts appear to be the most informative method of acquiring knowledge about ancient cultures. They involve architecture and sculpture, which specifics can be helpful in...

Shakespeare’s The Tempest Directed by Gregory Doran

Introduction The Tempest is the title of the play watched; it was written by William Shakespeare and directed by Gregory Doran in the year 2016. It was produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and held by it. The central driving force behind the production is its main character, Prospero. In...

The Works of Photographer Steve McCurry: Consequences of the War

Introduction The launch of Steve McCurry’s career occurred when he disguised as a native person and entered Afghanistan through Pakistan right before the Soviet Invasion was to happen. He saved photographic documentation of the event, and these images were published worldwide showing the conflict. Steve McCurry kept covering armed battles,...

The Drag Queens and Drag Kings

Introduction Drag is an art that involves entertaining people by crossing sexes to have the characters perform roles of the opposite sex. Drag shows contain performances of music, dances, skits, and monologues, with either one performer at a time or a group of performers to entertain the audience. Most such...

Examining the Role of Desdemona in Shakespeare’s “Othello”

Desdemona, the central character of Shakespeare’s play Othello, presents a combination of love, faith, and other bright features of the personality. Nevertheless, the power of the daughter of a Venetian Senator is hidden behind the scenes of her husband, Othello, and his comrades. Desdemona had gone through various hardships, such...

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Performance: Cultural Experience

For this assignment, I have chosen to examine the 2014 York College theatre’s rendition of a classic Shakespearian piece, Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance took place in Milton G. Bassin Performing Arts Center, in Jamaica, Queens. This particular facility is affiliated with the York College and works with the aim...

“Three Women” by Joan Miro

Joan Miro is a well-known surrealistic artist earning his international acclaim for a series of self-portraits written during varied periods of his mastership. The collection of the National Gallery of Art is furnished with his numerous works. One of them is Three Women. It was completed by Joan Miro in...

The Renaissance of the 12th Century: History & Culture

Introduction Renaissance is a name given to a period in history where many changes were witnessed in an otherwise stagnant society. It is a French word which can be construed to mean a new start or a rebirth (Klaus 4). Renaissance means many and diverse changes that happen at a...

Mary Cassatt’s “The Reading Lesson”

Introduction Art has always been a matter of burning discussions and debates over their origins and meanings. Moreover, the art works: murals, paintings, sculptures always symbolize the time frames and culture they were created within. It is a pleasure to introduce Mary Cassatt’s painting The Reading Lesson that symbolizes Cassatt’s...

Tracey Emin as a Post-modernist Feminist Artist

Introduction Tracey Emin is a well know feminist artist of the late 20th century and she is ambidextrous in the field of art. Her versatile genius covers a wide range of artistic mediums like Films, Installations, and Found objects, Fabric, Neon, Photography, Painting, sculpture and Monoprints. She is also a...

Art in Renaissance Period

The age of new awakenings in Europe is called the Renaissance, and everything was changing in this period. This was one of the greatest periods of human history and it contributed many great minds to the society. The Renaissance Art was sometimes termed as the rebirth of the Classical traditions....

Titian’s “Venus of Urbino”

“Venus of Urbino” refers to an oil painting done by an Italian master known as Titian. It portrays a nude young female, recognized with Venus, the goddess lying down on a couch in the luxurious surrounding of the palace of Renaissance. The painting is found in Florence and the pose...

Piet Mondrian. Works Comparison From Naturalistic to Neo-Plastic

Art is an essential part of people’s life. Art relaxes and fills our souls with feelings of beauty and peace. There are a lot of artists whose masterpieces people have been admiring for many years and continue to admire now. Artist is a part of his painting. We may see...

“Untitled” by Smith and Marden’s “3 Hydra Rocks”

The painting Untitled by Smith is incomparable for its use of space all over the canvas and the application of dimension in form of space is unique. Smith’s Untitled is Color screenprint, 57 x 76.8 cm (22 7/16 x 30 1/4 in). She made space speak a language and narration...

Jackson Pollock’s Painting “Convergence”

The creative activity of Jackson Pollock raised much criticism and doubts concerning its significance in the world of art and the level of professionalism and artistic talent included in it even at the time of Pollock’s life. The reason for such prejudice can be seen in the unique, individual style...

Pierre-Augustus Renoir: A Famous French Artist

Introduction Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a famous French artist who was one of the major contributors to the Impressionist movement. The main focus of his art was to celebrate beauty in all its appearances, particularly as it was revealed in the female form. His life intersected with numerous other...

Art and History. Bull Headed Lyre of Ur

Introduction Interpreting different pieces of art throughout the history of humankind’s development allows connoisseurs to transfer back in time and feel what artists felt when making their pieces. By using the example of the bull-headed harp with an inlaid sound box from Pu-abi tomb (“King’s Grave”) the present exploration will...

Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary Art

The matters of race are still of considerable importance in today’s world. While the age of colonialism is over, the increasingly globalizing post-colonial world introduces new racial and ethnic hierarchies on both domestic and worldwide scale. Contemporary art reacts to these developments and mirrors them in the works of such...

Aphrodite and Her Famous Nudity: Art Interpretation

Introduction The cold and emotionless nudity of Ancient Greek statues has become so common to an average viewer that the lack of clothes and the presence of numerous anatomic details on sculptures no longer warrants even a snicker. However, the perception of nakedness in ancient Greece art pieces has experienced...

Roman Art: Excellence and Innovations in Ancient Artistic Practices

Introduction During the vast Roman Empire, which lasted for hundreds of years, artists created widespread forms of outstanding artworks that have continued to be popular even in modern times. Roman art excelled in different ways due to its diversity, availability to the masses, and embracing of trends from all over...

“Hound and Hunter” Painting by Winslow Homer

Introduction The selected work can be considered one of the famous masterpieces of the American landscape maker Winslow Homer. The picture is full of details and elements that cannot be understood from the first view, and one should look for other interesting signs to enjoy the author’s idea. In fact,...

“Sunset in the Yosemite Valley”: Analysis of Albert Bierstadt’s Painting

Introduction Albert Bierstadt is an outstanding American artist of the mid-late 19th century. He belongs to the Hudson River School, Rocky Mountain School, and Düsseldorf School (Manthorn and Bloom 15). The artist was most recognized for his journey to the American West and a series of paintings depicting mountain landscapes...

Perez Art Museum Visitation

The Most Beautiful Object in the Museum For me, the most impressive object in Perez Art Museum, Miami, is the painting “Oráculo” created by Tomás Esson. This artist comes from Cuba. This work of art attracted me because of its bright colors and interesting elements. The artist has depicted a...

Visual Art Creation and Reflection

Introduction The inspiration that comes from observing works of art is the driving force that stimulates creativity and allows one to better understand the nature of the human thought. In order to express an idea, people often resort to visual images that can awaken different emotions and feelings. The aim...

Edouard Manet’s Olympia Painting

Review of Edouard Manet’s Olympia Edouard Manet’s Olympia seems to intentionally provoke the debates regarding the quality and purpose of this painting. Is it possible to perceive Olympia seriously and positively when, in this work, Manet tries to represent a vulgar and nude young woman whose glance is indifferent, but...

“Transfiguration” Painting by Raphael

Introduction The period of the Italian Renaissance lasted for several centuries, forming many different styles and inspiring many works that are now considered masterpieces. One of its eras often called the High Renaissance, started around 1500 and lasted approximately twenty years. While art historians debate the definition of this era to...

Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and “The Sea Coast”

Introduction The paintings of impressionists are bright and imaginative. The art encourages creativity and promotes inspiration. The Starry Night painting is used as the object of inspiration. Individual work is based on the technique of Van Gogh. The comparison of two pieces of art can be performed. The analysis of...

Functions and Importance of Museums as Repositories

Introduction Since the advent of civilization, human beings have been interested in collecting, keeping and displaying things hence giving rise to the concept of museums. (Drurie,1997, p. 30). Museums have been termed as having historically been repositories where real physical objects that existed many years ago are kept. They have...

Art Definition: Modern vs. Traditional

The definition of art is changing with time. The modern definition of art focuses on the way art changes over time and breaks away from its traditional definition. The old definition of art focused on skills or crafts demonstrated. According to Awesome Artistic website, art is the use of skill...

Theatre Play: “The Addams Family”

The Addams Family is an action-packed musical comedy based on a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice with the characters taken from the eponymous cartoon. It is another adaptation of the well-known story of the weird, macabre family, making clumsy attempts to live among normal people, who find them...

“The Madwoman of Chaillot” Play by Giraudoux

Introduction “The Madwoman of Chaillot” is a satirical play by Jean Giraudoux. It was written in 1943 and tells the tale of an eccentric Parisian woman and her friends who foil a plan to drill for oil in Paris. The play was adapted by Maurice Valency and directed by Stephanie...

Alfred Stieglitz and Greer Muldowney: Biographies and Photographs

Introduction Born in New Jersey, in the year 1864, Alfred Steiglitz was a very successful photographer in the US during the 1800s. Greer Muldowney is a very popular young female photographer, who was born in 1988. This paper presents a biography of Alfred Steiglitz and Greer Muldowney. Besides, the treatise...

Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?

Linda Nochlin a well-known art history scholar has written many essays on this subject, however, the essay that made the greatest impact on the field of history was “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?” (NOCHLIN, par. I). From this idea and the profound question put up by Linda...

The Fayum Mummy Portraits

Fayum portrait is the modern name for a style of realistic painted portrait which was attached to mummies during the period of roman Egypt. These mummy portraits have been found in all parts of Egypt, but are mostly concentrated in the Fayum Oasis. These portraits are the examples of modern...

Artemisia Gentileschi Influence on Feminist History

Introduction Artemisia Gentileschi is a famous artist of the Baroque period. Her works are the topic for various debates. While some art experts and historians recognize her talent and professionalism, other specialists consider Artemisia as a mediocre painter. However, her unique style was acknowledged by most researchers. Also, many feminist...

Artemisia Gentileschi’s Self-Portraits: A Feminist Perspective and Artistic Analysis

Introduction The art of the Renaissance is often considered to have the most recognizable pieces and artists. However, the list of Renaissance painters, sculptors, and architects is dominated by men and their creations. Only a handful of women of the Renaissance period gained some recognition. One of these women is...

“Number 5, 1948” Painting by Jackson Pollock

Abstract In the context of the mid-20th-century culture, Number 5, 1948 is one of the most wonderful phenomena. It is often considered to be the culmination of Jackson Pollock’s oeuvre. The present paper examines two aspects that made the painting a valuable abstract expressionist pattern and inspired the next generations:...

Gordon Parks’ and Grant Wood’s Artistic Views on America

Art is one of the most important creations of the humanity. Artists manage to notice important trends occurring in the society and these works draw people’s attention to these trends. Of course, all people are different since all of them have different experiences and, hence, different views. Thus, Grant Wood...

Drama: “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry

Introduction A Raisin in the sun is a play written by Lorraine Hansberry. The play revolves around the life of the family of the late Lee Younger and mainly focuses on their daily struggles to make ends meet. Mrs. Lenah Younger, the wife to the late Lee Younger, fondly referred...

Michael Sweerts’ “Head of a Woman” Painting Review

Descriptive Element Created in the mid-1600s in Italy by the artist, Michael Sweerts; the Head of a Woman can be considered as a unique representation of the artistic styles of the era. The reason behind such an assertion is connected to the fact that the subject was a poor woman...

Theory of Modern Art

Matisse- Notes of a painter Matisse tries to expose the fact that art cannot be clearly expressed in its pictorial form, without essentially encompassing the artist’s thoughts (in its entirety). In other words, it is increasingly difficult for him to express all his inner thoughts in a painting. In this...

Mongolian Mask (Hudog) Sculpture: Spiritual Symbolism and Cultural Heritage

Introduction The aesthetically arresting artwork “Mask (hudog)” has a lasting effect on the observer. The mask’s distinctive style and minute details give the impression that it is a complex and ornate sculpture. The mythical creature’s large eyes and protruding tongue give it an otherworldly and supernatural allure. The mask’s inherent...

Comparative Analysis of Dürer’s and Rembrandt’s Self-Portraits Through Style and Historical Context

Introduction The art of self-portraiture allows artists to express their narratives, capturing their essence and identity. The Northern Renaissance’s Albrecht Dürer and the Dutch Golden Age’s Rembrandt van Rijn were two renowned artists who excelled in their respective eras. This article aims to analyze and differentiate Dürer’s “Self-Portrait at Age...

Robert Frank: A Visionary in Documentary Photography

Introduction Robert Frank is an American-Swiss artist who is one of the most famous photographers of the 20th century. The harsh and melancholy vision has become Frank’s hallmark, making him one of the most realistic documentarians. Photography has been a lifelong interest for Frank, which led him to commercial photography...

Rose Bowl Loop: An Allegory of Isolation by Paige Jiyoung Moon

Introduction The work I enjoyed the most at the exhibition was “Rose Bowl Loop.” Paige Jiyoung Moon created it in 2023. The artist was born in Seoul and currently resides in Pasadena, working as a painter and illustrator. She studied at the Art Center College of Design and is currently...

The Laramie Project: A Portrait of Community Response to Tragedy

Summary Act I Using interviews from the Tectonic Theater Project, Moises Kaufman’s The Laramie Project presents a striking portrait of Laramie, Wyoming, revealing the town’s spirit following Matthew Shepard’s violent attack. The act highlights the town’s long-standing ties to the land, which also highlights the railroad’s impact on the town’s...

Venus of Willendorf: Fertility and Rituals in the Prehistoric Art

Introduction The prospect of art study throughout history unravels the tapestry of the richness of human expression. The art reveals the presence of the interplay between concepts related to society, culture and the artistic creation of the people. The Venus of Willendorf provides an enthusiastic enigma in its art while...

Character Interpretation and Directorial Choices in Death of a Salesman Performance

Character Interpretation The actors’ interpretations of the characters’ emotions influence the play’s overall emotional tone. A skilled actor may emphasize Willy’s internal struggle and frustration, highlighting the desperation and weight of his unfulfilled dreams. They might bring out the contrast between Willy’s confident facade and his inner turmoil. Character physicality—their...

Thematic Exploration: Nature’s Beauty Through Photographic Lenses

Introduction The connection between the creation of art and the source of inspiration is fascinating and intricate, as it delves into the thematic and formal elements that link the two works. In this essay, I will contemplate the relationship between my original photograph and Ansel Adams’ “The Tetons and the...

Marcia Kure’s Drawing at the Menil Collection: Exploration of Line, Color, and Content

Subject Matter After viewing the video of Marcia Kure’s Drawing at the Menil Collection, the subject matter appears to be a significant, immersive, wall-sized drawing rich in detail and symbolism. The artwork is predominantly abstract, including several three-dimensional objects that protrude directly from the wall, adding depth and tangibility to...

Lysistrata and Chi-Raq: Satirical Resistance Against War and Violence

Introduction Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata,” a classical Greek comedy penned in 411 BCE, and Spike Lee’s 2015 film “Chi-Raq,” set amidst the gang violence of modern-day Chicago, are separated by over two millennia, yet they share a striking thematic core: the intersection of relationship, war, and power. Both works offer a satirical...

Curated Exhibition: Exploring the Human Condition Through Art

Introduction I decided to have a themed exhibition instead of just showing all the art to create a cohesive and meaningful experience for the viewers. By focusing on a specific theme, the artworks will communicate with each other and provoke more profound thoughts and emotions in the audience. My preference...

Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”: Love, Passion, and the Golden Era of Art

The Artist’s Background Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter born in 1862 in Vienna who, in a certain way, revolutionized the way love and sexuality can be represented in art. Klimt was among the most progressive artists of the time: in 1897, he and other like-minded creators established the “Vienna...

The Interplay of Weight and Lightness in Photography

Perception of Weight in Photography Photography captures a compelling balance of weight and lightness in its frames. The composition, topics, and textures communicate solidity, depth, and presence, evoking the weight element. Lightness manifests through ethereal and ephemeral aspects, moments frozen in time, delicate shades of illumination, and an intangible essence...

The Artistic and Cultural Impact of Norval Morrisseau’s Indian Family Life

Artwork Background Title Indian Family Life Artist Norval Morrisseau Date The exact creation date for “Indian Family Life” is unspecified, but Norval Morrisseau was most active as an artist from the late 1950s through the early 21st century. The medium used for this piece was likely acrylic paint on canvas...

The Impact of Interior Design on French Aristocracy’s Identity in the 18th Century

Introduction The sentences by Hellman and Lilley call for a discussion of the impact that interior design had on the identity and social dynamics of the French aristocracy in the eighteenth century. Hellman’s Quote Analysis The sentence by Hellman (p. 23) is as follows: “The elite body was thus doubly...

The Impact of the Taking a Stand in Baton Rouge Photo on Social Justice Discourse

Introduction Taking a Stand in Baton Rouge (Figure 1) is a famous photograph taken by Jonathan Bachman during the 2016 Minnesota protests triggered by the shooting of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. The image has reached cult status quickly, with many news outlets characterizing it as a treasured piece commenting...

The Power of Portraiture: Graham Sutherland’s Monumental Depiction of Winston Churchill

Introduction I recently came across an awe-inspiring portrait of Winston Churchill by renowned English artist Graham Sutherland. It’s a striking illustration of how art can convey a message of power and authority. Churchill is depicted realistically and larger-than-life in this portrait, creating an impression of a dominant and influential figure....

Stylistic Features in Ancient Art: Expression Through Form

Introduction In this essay, the question posed is how stylistic tools and features express ideas in art. To answer this question, three works of art from the periods covered in the course must be analyzed. These works must be identified by their title, date, artist, place of origin, and medium....

The Battle of Self-Affirmation and Negation in Photography by Thomas Allen Harris

Introduction In his mesmerizing narrative, Thomas Allen Harris beckons us to ponder the dichotomy that has long ensnared the African-American experience through the lens of photography. He astutely unearths the “two conflicting legacies” embedded within the photographic tableau, forging an inquiry that transcends epochs and epochs—a persistent tug-of-war between self-affirmation...

The Cultural and Artistic Impact of Kelly Ingram Park: A Reflection of the Civil Rights Movement

Introduction It is important to note that artistic expressions and cultural landmarks can powerfully reflect and embody society’s transformative milestones. The given analysis will focus on the tight interconnection between history, societal values, and art, which is epitomized by the sculptures within Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham. Thus, exploring such...

Gothic Themes in Art: Sin, Suffering, and Dehumanization

Introduction In the realm of Gothic literature, the exploration of the macabre, the grotesque, and the exploration of sin and punishment are paramount. The paintings “The Garden of Earthly Delights” by Bosch, “Three Figures” by Francis Bacon, and “Isenheim Altarpiece” by Grunewald, each in their own unique way, resonate with...

The Nara and Heian Periods: Shifts in Japanese Art, Culture, and Buddhism

Introduction The Nara (710-794) and Heian (794-1185) periods were two significant eras in Japanese art and culture history, marked by distinct shifts in religious, political, and artistic developments. The Nara Period During the Nara period, the capital was moved from Asuka to Nara, and it was during this time that...

Albrecht Dürer: The Pioneer of Printmaking and His Lasting Influence on Art

Introduction Albrecht Dürer, a 15th and 16th-century German Renaissance artist, profoundly influenced the art world through his prolific printmaking career. Known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the medium, he remains a pioneer in printmaking. This paper explores Dürer’s life, his contributions to printmaking, compositional analysis, and the lasting...

Learning About World Through Art: Hiroshige’s and Davidson’s Artworks

Introduction Art is a creative activity that involves reimagining the human experience. Thus, different types of art can be closely connected with important elements of human experience, such as history and culture. In a way, art reflects society, and society can influence art by introducing new and unique ways or...

Henry Darger’s Art Brut and Outsider Art: The Paradox of Innocence and Darkness

Introduction Henry Darger’s Personality and Art Henry Darger, an anonymous recluse, rose to prominence as one of the most well-known figures in outsider art after his death. Darger’s life was complex; he was born in Chicago in 1892. He had a difficult upbringing in hospitals and orphanages after losing his...

Importance of Facial Muscles in Restorative Art and Aesthetic Standards

Introduction Muscles play an important role in shaping surface contour and general appearance and are crucial in different spheres of art and medicine. Hence, the knowledge of the face and head muscles is important in the field of restorative art due to a number of factors. This knowledge allows artists,...

The Role of Art in Commonality: From the Lascaux Cave Horse to Modern Music

The ‘Lascaux Cave Horse’ is an example of early human creativity that responded to the need for commonality. In this painting, the artist depicted an animal that was used by their group of people for transportation and hunting, which showed the spirit of cooperation and belonging. It is difficult to...

Jean-Leon Gerome’s “Bathsheba” as a Representation of Orientalism in Art

Use of Domestic Subject Matter Reflecting European Attitudes Toward Oriental Cultures The most successful work describing Orientalism is “Bathsheba” by Jean-Leon Gerome, created in 1899. Unlike other works of art, Jean-Leon Gerome used a commonplace domestic subject that reflects European attitudes toward Oriental cultures. Firstly, the ordinariness can be appreciated...

“Starry Night” by van Gogh: A Masterpiece of Emotions and Color

Introduction Vincent van Gogh, a renowned individual within the domain of art, was a Dutch painter who was closely affiliated with the Post-Impressionist artistic movement. The artistic contributions made by him exerted a significant influence on the evolution of art during the 20th century. The artistic creations produced by the...

“A Trick of the Light” by Gibson: A Thrilling Play of Suspense and Unexpected Twists

Introduction Thriller is a genre that draws viewers in with its suspenseful plot, dramatic tension, and unexpected turns of events. In the play A Trick of the Light, author Scott Gibson utilized these elements to create an exciting and unpredictable thriller. Gibson masterfully weaves together a complex web of intrigue...

The Inevitability of Fate: A Comparative Analysis of Oedipus Rex and Oldboy

Introduction The history of the genre’s growth began with the drama of ancient Greece. All individuals today descended from this development in European civilization. Therefore, looking back to understand many of today’s dramatic trends and findings can be highly helpful. The issue of fate and the freedom of human choice...

Baroque Influence in Godfrey Kneller’s Portrait of Pyotr Potemkin

Introduction Paintings are essential media for conveying the history and significance of certain events and individuals. Although some art pieces seem empty, others can invoke an array of emotions due to high utilization and authentic representation. One such painting is the one by Godfrey Kneller, in which the artist depicts...

The Repatriation Debate of the Parthenon Marbles: Ownership and Cultural Heritage Issues

Introduction Art is a significant part of each country’s history and is regarded as a cultural heritage, which is extremely important for their development. That is why saving historical legacy for each state to recollect in memory of each country’s great past is crucial. However, many incidents happened during the...

The Artistry of Godfrey Kneller: Analyzing “Portrait of The Boyar Pyotr Potemkin”

Introduction Within the realm of artistic expression, the renowned masterpiece “Portrait of The Boyar Pyotr Potemkin” by the skilled hand of Godfrey Kneller emerges as a testament to the unrivaled talent and craftsmanship of this celebrated painter. Crafted in 1682, this captivating portrait transports viewers into the mesmerizing world of...

Impact of The Thinker and Jamb Statues on Society: Exploring Art, Religion, and Humanism

Introduction Art and design are predominant features of society that have influenced remarkable expressions through architecture and buildings. According to Sporre (2015), art is a creative feature requiring critical thinking, which can be approached factually and straightforwardly. He breaks down art as a tool that invoked significant meaning through artistic...

Shang Dynasty Bronze Artifacts: Symbolism, Rituals, and Feng Shui

Introduction The Wine Container is one of the most iconic artifacts of the Shang Dynasty. During this era, bronze manufacturing technology existed in China in finished form. Artifact artisans were highly skilled, as evidenced by fine patterns, ornaments, and symbolic images on their products. The Wine Container made during the...

Exploring Pipilotti Rist’s “Ever is Over All”: Art, Nature, and Feminine Power

Identification of the Work and Its Medium Nowadays, technologies allow artists to push the boundaries of art and communicate their messages and beauty to people through video and TV. One of Pipilotti Rist’s most famous artworks is Ever is Over All, an audio-video installation first shown in 1997. This beautiful...

Van Gogh’s “Irises” vs Monet’s “Sunrise”: Color, Light, and Line

Introduction Paintings of two outstanding artists in art history – Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet – are the treasures left to the world. Both impressionist painters became famous for their colorful and fascinating artworks that included their unique styles. While Van Gogh is recognized for his expressive brushstrokes and...

Analysis of Rupert Goold’s Modern Take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth Play

Introduction Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most renowned plays, which portrays the transformation of a seemingly noble war hero into a ruthless tyrant. I chose to analyze a performance of the play, specifically the one directed by Rupert Goold in 2010. This modern take on Macbeth sheds light on...

Great Ziggurat of Ur: Sumerian Architecture and Historical Insights

Introduction The art and architecture of Early Middle Eastern and Northeast African civilizations deserve particular attention. At the time of their rise, people explored the limits of their possibilities, creating items and structures that have survived to the present day. At the same time, they provide an in-depth insight into...

“Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” Play by Smith

Introduction Anna Deavere Smith’s compelling play, “Twilight: Los Angeles” is a solo performance that dates back to 1992. The show, which was directed by Marc Levinson, delved into the aftermath of four LAPD officers beating Rodney King alongside the ensuing riots that took place in Los Angeles (LA) (Smith 107)....

Culture in the “Guernica” Painting by Pablo Picasso

As a form of still art, painting might be seen not as fully representative of the complexity and multi-dimensionality of culture. However, the specified impression is quite misleading, as Picasso’s “Guernica” proves strikingly well. Beafutifully capturing the chaos and horror that engulfed Italy as the city of Guernica was bombed,...

Lord Elgin: Saving the Parthenon Marbles

Lord Thomas Elgin, the British negotiator, had his emissaries take bucketloads of antique art from Athens. A significant number of sculptures from the Parthenon, the sanctuary of the divine Athena, which perched on the Acropolis peak in the center of the city, were the crown jewels of this collection. Lord...

The Mask (Ndemba) in the Context of African Art

Description of Art The Mask (Ndemba) is an art object representing a mask used in the Yaka culture. The culture was widespread in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the mid-20th century (Mask (Ndemba)). Unfortunately, the author of the mask is unknown, but we can be sure that mask belongs...

Landscape Painting: Degas and Monet

Introduction Even though his landscape paintings are not his most well-known work, Degas was a talented painter. His mastery of painting skills is evident in a landscape he did in 1892, representing an area covered by vegetation. Discussion The many shades of green look soft and expensive, with variations in...

Love in Paintings and Photographs

Works depicting love can show a range of emotions and settings, presenting the different moments of romantic relationships to the audience. With some works showing great passion and sexuality, others focus on capturing small moments of tenderness and daily routine among people in love. As a result, each painting and...

The “Treasure Chest” Painting by Brent Estabrook

Thesis Statement Since its inception, visual art has been a domain of ideas related to social commentary. These can be found in paintings from all historical categories, from the Romanesque period to Contemporary Art. The global cultural discourse focused on interpreting and analyzing the modern techniques of social commentary like...

Graffiti as a Cultural Phenomenon

Art is a multifaceted matter, which comprises many areas, from sculpture to paintings. However, while many forms of art have been widely accepted around the world and admired, other types of art, such as graffiti, have been vilified, with many observers accentuating the illegal aspect of it. Nevertheless, art must...

The Return of the Elgin Marbles

Introduction Nowadays, many countries strive to return the artifacts that originate from them to their possession. The Elgin Marbles, which were created and placed in Greece, had resided in the British Museum since the nineteenth century when they were relocated from the Parthenon through an agreement with the Ottoman Empire...

Exploring the ‘Lady of Shallot’ and ‘The Railway’ Through the Digital Realm

Art is seen in every country and culture worldwide and is expressed in different styles and forms. One could only experience and see art in the past by travelling worldwide and to museums. However, the rise of technology has enabled people to enjoy and appreciate artworks through online exhibits. Unlike...

Modern Art: Paintings and Representatives

Picasso, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” was created by Pablo Picasso in 1907 in Paris. The artwork depicts a group of nude young prostitutes staring at a viewer, therefore breaking the fourth wall (Picasso, Les Demoiselles D’Avignon, n.d.). The painting is considered revolutionary because it symbolized the breakaway from...

Marianne McGrath’s Artist Talk

It is critical to note that Marianne McGrath is an independent art curator. She worked in museums and exhibitions before her works became popular. In addition, she is one of the contemporary artists who create outstanding art. At the same time, she often works as a curator, so more people...

The Painting “And Life Anew” by Rita Kernn-Larsen

The painting is named “And Life Anew.” and was created by Rita Kernn-Larsen in 1940. It is an oil on canvas painting that measures 26 7/8 x 20 7/8 inches or 68.3 x 53 cm (Detroit Institute of Art, n.d.). The painting is a naturalistic landscape view that shows the...

The Art of the XIX and XX Centuries

Introduction This paper studies the prominent art styles and artworks of the XIX and XX centuries, focusing on Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Analytic Cubism, Dada, and Abstract Expressionism. Prominent French, German, and American artists and their unique approaches to these styles are discussed considering the cultural and historical context. The purpose of...

Contemporary Artists: Andrea Zittel, Cindy Sherman, Krzysztof Wodiczko

Introduction Zittel is one of the Contemporary artists who will end up being published in history books 100 years from now. First, what I like about the artist’s art is the unique messages they depict to humanity. For instance, when looking at Wagon Station Encampment located in Joshua Tree National...

The “Pine Spirit” Painting by Wu Guanzhong

Wu Guanzhong took motivation from modern western artwork and broke away from the legendary history of Chinese paintings and drawings to produce pieces that perfectly encapsulate the genre. The masterpieces by him that most of his followers are familiar with, which depict this, are from the late 1970s (Liu, 2019)....

Impressionism and Post-Impressionism Compared

It is important to note that many art movements and their corresponding styles are responses to the previous artistic approaches. While some of these movements were taking and adopting the ideas from the preceding ones, others were focused on integrating completely opposing frameworks. The given analysis will primarily focus on...

Revolutionary Influences in 18-19th Century Paintings

In the 18th and 19th centuries, art began to serve as a tool for reflecting the political and social processes that took place in society. This paper will consider five works in neoclassicism, English painting, romanticism, and realism, which had a powerful social message and had a significant, and sometimes...

Black and White Photography’s Historical Roots

Introduction In the last hundred and twenty years, photography has developed immensely. The beginnings of this development are shown in the styles of black-and-white photos and their evolution into modern-day color photography. Broadly stated, black-and-white photography is an artistic interpretation of how one imagines the world should look. This sort...

The Starry Night Painting by Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh, in his classical painting titled Starry Night, created one of the most brilliant paintings globally. Contemporary culture centralizes this artistic work as a great masterwork of history (Art in Context Para 4). Van Gogh’s painting can be understood from numerous perspectives of social orbs since the image...

The Use of Brushstrokes in Paintings

Introduction The main idea or intent of an artist’s work is communicated through the use of brushstrokes. I agree with the statement, “in a painting of a rock, the rock itself is not expressive; rather, the brushstrokes that suggest the rock are expressive( Mironova et al., 2020). Discussion This is...

Chinese Art: Unique Attributes and Characteristics

Introduction It is important to note that Chinese art has a range of unique attributes and characteristics. A Thousand Peaks and Myriad Ravines is a painting by Wang Hui, which exemplifies this uniqueness by providing both the landscape tradition of the use of Chinese ink as well as a short...