Non-Western and European painting.
Compare and contrast non-Western and European painting. For example, explain the attitude of traditional Chinese painters towards space, the picture surface, ambiguity and inscriptions. How does this differ from paintings done by Western European painters? Provide two works of art as examples in your response.
Compare and contrast non-Western and European architecture. Use buildings/cathedrals from Week 5 and Week 6 readings. For example, consider differences in Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic architecture (select one) with that of Western European architecture. Consider interior and exterior space and decoration. Provide examples in your response.
Dis 12
Select an abstract work of art from this week’s readings, from the Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History website, or any reputable art museum site (cite the source and include an image). Is it necessary to know the title of the piece to fully appreciate the work, or any other non-representational work? Why or why not? Defend your position.
If subject matter is what is being depicted in a work of art, what is the subject of non-representational works such as Blue, Orange, Red by Mark Rothko and Autumn Rhythm by Jackson Pollock?
What is Donald Judd communicating in his piece titled 100 Untitled Works in Mill Aluminum? What do you think the content is? How does the form help the artist express the content? How does the work of Pollock and Judd differ?
Explain how you feel when viewing an artwork without representational imagery, storytelling, or explicit personal feeling. Can shapes and colors evoke emotion and interpretation?
Identify visual elements and principles of design in your analysis.
Sample Solution
The abstract works of art Blue, Orange, Red by Mark Rothko and Autumn Rhythm by Jackson Pollock are both non-representational in the sense that they do not depict any recognizable forms. However,their subject matter still lies in the title of the work and what it evokes to those who view them. The title Blue, Orange, Red gives a good indication as to what colors will be present in the piece; likewise for Autumn Rhythm with its suggestion of movement and fluidity.
The visual elements that can be found in these two pieces include color, shape, texture and light. In terms of color theory Rothko uses a combination of cool blues against warm oranges and reds which creates an interesting contrast between heat and coolness; similarly Pollock’s painting is composed primarily of earthy tones such as browns and oranges which further emphasize his expressionist approach to painting.
In terms of shape there is no clear form or structure present within either piece yet both works rely heavily on gesture to create lines that flow freely around each piece giving it a dynamic energy while also creating areas where viewers can rest their eyes amongst all the activity. The textures are rougher than most would expect from traditional representational paintings but serve to create interesting details throughout each work while also adding an element of depth by using different brush strokes techniques or dripping paint onto canvas respectively. Lastly light plays an important role in these two works as well; with Rothko’s use of bright colors he creates areas where light seems almost tangible while Pollock draws heavy shadows across certain parts of his canvas adding drama to already powerful composition.
When viewing abstract works like Blue, Orange, Red or Autumn Rhythm one may feel overwhelmed at first but after spending more time looking at them one starts notice how effective shapes can be when used strategically along with other nuances such as color temperature or textural differences which results in feelings ranging from admiration for their beauty to appreciation towards how much emotion can be expressed with just simple shapes on canvas. Shapes and colors definitely evoke emotion just like storytelling does; however instead letting our minds wander we must actively look for those hidden meanings ourselves making non-representational artwork all the more rewarding when understood properly because then you know you truly appreciate something without outside influence..