Group 5 TFA 186 Notes PDF

Foundations and Evolution of Modern Art This explores the foundations and evolution of modern art. It begins by outlining the shift in art history from description to analysis in the 18th century. It then focuses on Johann Joachim Winckelmann, considered the father of modern art history, and his inf...

Foundations and Evolution of Modern Art This explores the foundations and evolution of modern art. It begins by outlining the shift in art history from description to analysis in the 18th century. It then focuses on Johann Joachim Winckelmann, considered the father of modern art history, and his influence on the development of classicism. The document then examines the rise of modern art, exploring key figures like Gustave Courbet, Charles Baudelaire, Paul Cézanne, and the emergence of movements like Realism, Impressionism, and Cubism. It concludes with an analysis of Ang Kiukok, a Filipino artist heavily influenced by Picasso's Cubism, and highlights the fusion of Western modernism with Filipino sensibilities in his works. Shift from Description to Analysis in Art History In the 18th century, a significant change took place in how art historians studied art. ○ They moved beyond simply describing the artwork and its historical background. ○ Instead, they started to analyze the reasons behind changes in art. ○ They explored questions like: How did social, political, and cultural factors influence art trends? Johann Joachim Winckelmann: The Father of Modern Art History Johann Joachim Winckelmann, an 18th-century German writer and historian, is known as the father of modern art history. ○ Why? Because of his innovative book, "The History of Ancient Art". ○ What made his work different? Unlike earlier art historians like Vasari, who focused on listing artists and their works chronologically, Winckelmann tried to understand the cultural and historical forces that shaped art. ○ His main argument: Art reflects the civilization that created it. Winckelmann's Background and Influences Education: Winckelmann had a diverse education in theology, ancient literature, mathematics, and medicine. ○ Impact of Dresden: His time in Dresden, a city renowned for its art collections, further fueled his passion for art. Career: His role as Superintendent of Antiquities in Rome gave him access to a vast collection of Greek and Roman art masterpieces. ○ Impact of Roman Experience: This experience profoundly shaped his understanding of art and beauty, leading him to champion Greek art as the highest form of art. The Allure of Greek Art for Winckelmann Winckelmann's Belief: Greek art achieved a perfect harmony between nature and culture. What he admired: He admired the simplicity, harmony, and idealized human forms in Greek sculptures. His Concept of Beauty: He believed Greek art embodied "noble simplicity and quiet grandeur", which became central to his definition of true beauty and artistic merit. Challenging Contemporary Norms Critique of the Baroque: Winckelmann criticized the popular Baroque style of his time, finding it excessively decorative and theatrical. His Call to Action: He urged contemporary artists to follow the principles of Greek art to achieve true artistic greatness. Impact of his Critique: This critique marked a major shift from traditional art history writing and contributed to the idea of "classicism". Defining "Classicism" Winckelmann's Framework: He identified key style elements in Greek art and other periods that he believed were timeless and universally appealing. ○ Significance of Classicism: This concept provided a way to understand and evaluate art from different cultures and periods. Winckelmann's Enduring Legacy Influence on Artists: He influenced artists such as Jacques-Louis David and Antonio Canova. Influence on Art Historians: He influenced art historians like Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, August Wilhelm, and Friedrich Schlegel.  Shift in Approach: He introduced a more analytical and psychological approach to art history. ○ Focus on Meaning: The focus shifted from mere description to understanding the artist's intentions and art's impact on the viewer. Overview of Modern Art Time Period: Mid-1800s to 1950s Key Characteristics: ○ Break from tradition and art academies ○ Emergence of photography ○ Industrial Revolution ○ Modern warfare Impact of Changes: These factors led to a major shift in how art was practiced, analyzed, and its role in society. The Rise of "-isms": Modern art saw the emergence of numerous art movements (like Realism, Impressionism, Cubism, etc.) Amédée Ozenfant and the "Revolutionary Impulse" in Modern Art Ozenfant's Focus: Amédée Ozenfant analyzed the forces driving modern art. "Revolutionary Impulse": He highlighted the "revolutionary impulse" that fueled innovation in art. Key Argument: Individual freedom and rejection of tradition are key to understanding how art evolved in the modern era. Balance Sheet Approach: He used a "balance sheet" approach to look at various art forms and their development within a broader societal context. Connecting Art and Culture: He linked the revolutionary spirit in art to broader cultural shifts towards individual expression and questioning norms. Parallels with Science and Philosophy: He drew parallels with advancements in science and philosophy. Core Concepts: Individualism and Lyricism Modern Artists as Pioneers: He suggested that modern artists, like scientists, broke away from tradition and embraced personal expression. Shifting from Representation: This is seen in the move away from simply representing reality (as in artists like Cézanne and Matisse) towards a more personal and subjective artistic language. Technique and Innovation Pushing Boundaries: Artists like Rimbaud, Mallarmé, and Debussy pushed the limits of their respective art forms, breaking free from traditional rules. New Forms of Expression: This technical innovation led to new ways of expressing oneself in art, aligning with a broader trend of challenging established conventions. Synthesis and Efficiency Unifying Drive for Efficiency: Ozenfant pointed to the shared focus on "increased efficiency" in both science and art. Connecting Science and Art: He compared the growth of scientific knowledge ("Electromagnetism") with the expanding possibilities in art. Modern Art's Goal: He argued that modern art aimed for a "compact, complex sort, polyvalently." Discipline and Liberty Need for Balance: While celebrating freedom in modern art, Ozenfant also recognized the importance of discipline. Potential Dangers of Unrestrained Freedom: He cautioned against the potential pitfalls of excessive freedom, stating, "It is not difficult to abuse our liberties, but it is difficult to reject those which do not promise to be fruitful". Richard Hertz and the Axioms of Modernism Two Axioms of Modernism Undecidability Axiom: The line between art and non-art is blurry or even non-existent. ○ Conservative Interpretation: The difference is unclear and depends on how you define art. ○ Radical Interpretation: There's no difference between art and non-art at all. Reducibility Axiom: Art theory is as important as or even more important than the actual artworks. ○ Significance: This highlights the growing importance of ideas and theories in modern art practices. Connecting Hertz and Ozenfant Shared Focus on Individual Expression: Both Hertz and Ozenfant acknowledged the importance of individual expression and the rejection of traditional boundaries in shaping modern art. Different Emphasis: ○ Hertz: Focused on the blurring of art and life.  ○ Ozenfant: Emphasized the development of new artistic languages and techniques for more personal expression. Value of Both Perspectives: Both offer valuable insights into the complex nature of modernism. Early Modern Art: Gustave Courbet and the Realist Manifesto Gustave Courbet (1819–1877) Key Figure in Realism: Courbet was a leading French painter who spearheaded the Realism movement in the 19th century. Commitment to Authenticity: He was known for depicting the world as he saw it, rejecting the idealized forms of Romanticism and academic conventions. The Realist Manifesto Purpose: This document outlines the principles of the Realism movement. Context: It was written as the introduction to Courbet's independent exhibition catalog in 1861. Key Message: It expresses Courbet's artistic philosophy and his dedication to depicting contemporary life truthfully. The Manifesto's Challenge to Tradition Rejection of Established Practices: The Manifesto boldly challenges traditional artistic practices, calling for a new way of looking at art and its purpose. Why Is It Important? Birth of Realism Foundational Text: It's considered the founding document of Realism. Focus on Reality: Realism prioritizes showing reality as it is, without embellishment or idealization. Critique of Art Academies Courbet's Argument: Traditional art education hinders genuine artistic expression because it relies on rigid methods. Lasting Impact Influence on Art History: The Manifesto's ideas had a significant impact, influencing the course of art history and paving the way for future art movements. Core Concepts Art as Individual Expression:  ○ Personal Inspiration: Art originates from an artist's unique inspiration and their study of art history. ○ Rejection of Conventional Teaching: Courbet rejected the idea that art could be taught in a traditional teacher-student setting, favoring self-discovery and artistic independence. Primacy of Observable Reality: ○ Focus on Tangible: The Manifesto stresses depicting only what can be observed and experienced in the real world. ○ Rejection of Idealization: It rejects romanticized or idealized subjects, emphasizing the representation of the concrete and visible. The Futility of Historical Art: ○ Authenticity in Time: Artists can only truly depict their own time period. ○ Inauthenticity of Past and Future: Attempts to portray the past or future are considered speculative and not genuine. Beauty and Truth in Context: ○ Challenging Absolutes: The Manifesto questions the idea of absolute beauty and truth, arguing that these are shaped by time and individual perspective. ○ Beauty in Nature: Beauty is inherent in nature and is not enhanced by human attempts at beautification. A New Artistic Paradigm: The Communal Studio: ○ Shift from Academies: Courbet proposed moving away from the rigid structure of art academies. ○ Collaborative Environment: He envisioned a communal studio, inspired by Renaissance workshops. Benefits: This space would encourage learning, sharing ideas, and developing individual styles within a supportive art community. Charles Baudelaire: The Painter of Modern Life Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867) Influential Art Critic: Charles Baudelaire was a French art critic, translator, poet, and essayist who significantly influenced modern art and literature. Challenging Classical Ideals: He rejected classical ideals in art. Supporting Realist Artists: He supported artists like Gustave Courbet. Focus on Modern Life: He encouraged artists to focus on contemporary life and emotions instead of idealized forms. Artist's Role: He argued that artists should capture the complexity of the modern world, including both its beauty and its unsettling aspects. The Painter of Modern Life Context: Written in 1863, during a time of rapid change and modernization in Paris, with new buildings and a growing middle class. Purpose: To advocate for a new kind of art that reflected the rapidly changing, modern world. Why Is It Important? Embracing Modernity: Art should capture the ever-changing nature of modern life instead of sticking to old, traditional themes. Celebrating the Everyday: Baudelaire suggested finding beauty in the ordinary aspects of life. Rejecting Traditional Standards: Art should focus on the true and authentic aspects of life, moving away from traditional notions of art and beauty. Core Concepts Childlike Wonder: ○ Source of Genius: True inspiration comes from seeing the world with the awe and excitement of a child. ○ Blending Innocence and Experience: Combining childlike wonder with adult understanding leads to powerful artistic expression. Artist vs. Man of the World: ○ Artist: Focused solely on art. ○ Man of the World: Understands and engages with the wider world. ○ Combining Qualities: The greatest artistic genius arises when these two qualities are combined. Art as Expression of Life: ○ Capturing Experiences: Art should manifest the artist's deep, lived experiences and emotional responses to the world. ○ Fleeting Beauty and Complexity: It should capture the fleeting beauty and complexity of life. Embracing Modernity: ○ Distinctive Moments: Capturing moments unique to the present time, different from the past. ○ Rooted in the Present: Art must be grounded in the present. ○ Authenticity: Capturing the present as it is, without reverting to historical customs. Authentic Representation: ○ Depicting Reality: Artists should portray modern people, fashion, and scenes truthfully, without trying to make them appear like they belong to another era.  Art from Real Life: ○ Observation and Understanding: Artists should observe and genuinely understand the world around them. ○ Avoiding Past Styles: They should not rely on past styles or idealized versions of life. Dandyism as a Lifestyle: ○ Focus on Style: A dandy is someone who lives in luxury and prioritizes looking stylish and unique. Rebellion Against the Ordinary: ○ Creating Own Standards: Dandies reject everyday routines and create their own standards of aristocracy. Dandyism as a Fading Ideal: ○ Rise of Equality: As equality becomes more prevalent, the concept of dandyism fades. ○ Changing Access to Luxury: Luxury is becoming more accessible, and high-end fashion is no longer as exclusive. Legacy and Impact of Baudelaire Redefined Artist's Role: Baudelaire's ideas transformed how artists perceived their role in society. Influence on Individualism: His work contributed to the rise of individualism in modern art. Path for Avant-Garde: He paved the way for avant-garde art movements. Impressionism and Cubism Impressionism Time Period: Late 19th century Key Characteristics: ○ Depicting contemporary life accurately and objectively ○ Exploring the effects of light and color ○ Painting the play of light on surfaces ○ Using lighter, brighter colors ○ Forms without clear outlines, becoming "dematerialized" Paul Cézanne and Post-Impressionism Letters of Paul Cézanne Content: This collection of letters offers insights into the life and work of Paul Cézanne.  Multifaceted Image: They present a more complex picture of Cézanne, who was known for being reclusive and gruff. Art and Art Processes Foundations of Modern Art: Cézanne's work laid the groundwork for key concepts in modern art: ○ Directness ○ Balance ○ Pictorial Logic ○ Simplification of Natural Forms to Geometric Essentials Personal Struggles Self-Doubt and Torment: His letters reveal his struggles with self-doubt and inner turmoil. Resolve and Desperation: They depict a life marked by both determination and desperation. Strained Relationships: His personal relationships suffered, and he was known to have "No Friends except trees". Cézanne's Artistic Process: ○ Not Schematic: His process wasn't based on rigid formulas. ○ Focus on Sensations: He believed "painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one's sensations". Critiques of Cézanne's Work Varied Responses: Critics had diverse reactions to Cézanne's work: ○ Rilke: Praised his "Constant Rage". ○ Picasso: Recognized his "Inquietude". ○ Heidegger: Noted his "terror". ○ Emile Zola: Depicted Cézanne as a failed painter in his novel "The Masterpiece". ○ Gustave Geffroy: Cézanne's supporter who often commented on his modest reputation. ○ Common Complaints: Critics often found the objects in Cézanne's paintings to be twisted, uneven, and distorted. Radical Outsiders: Cézanne and Van Gogh Connections and Differences: This article explores the relationship between Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, both pioneering Post-Impressionist artists. Mutual Respect: Despite their distinct styles, they shared a deep respect for each other's work. Post-Impressionism Origin: A movement that emerged in France. Relationship to Impressionism: It extended Impressionism while rejecting some of its limitations. Transition from Impressionism: Many Post-Impressionists started as Impressionists but eventually developed their own styles. Shift in Focus: ○ Impressionism: Recording nature in natural light. ○ Post-Impressionism: Moving away from this approach in favor of bold colors, distorted shapes, and expressive brushstrokes. Van Gogh and Cézanne's Distinct Styles Van Gogh: ○ Thick Impasto ○ Expressionist Manner ○ Bird's eye view with the horizontal close to the top of the canvas Cézanne: ○ Light brushwork ○ Rhythmic, Parallel Strokes ○ Interest in Forms (still lifes and landscapes) Cubism Du Cubisme (1912) Authors: Jean Metzinger and Albert Gleizes, French artists and theorists Purpose: Outlines the theoretical and aesthetic principles of Cubism Impact: Influenced how people understand space and form in art Significance: A key manifesto for the early development of Cubism, offering insights into the nature of reality and its representation Historical Overview Cézanne's Influence: Cézanne is considered a precursor to Cubism because his later works introduced new approaches to form and perspective. Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907): Widely recognized as the first major Cubist artwork. Du Cubisme (1912): The publication of this manifesto marked a key moment in the development of Cubism. Excerpts from Du Cubisme and Core Concepts Multiple Perspectives: "In a picture, the same thing can be represented in many different ways, and it is no longer necessary for everything to be seen from a single viewpoint." ○ Concept of Simultaneity: Showing an object from multiple viewpoints at once, rejecting the traditional single-point perspective. Reconstruction: "Art is not a copy of nature, it is a reconstruction of the world." ○ Challenging Representational Art: Art doesn't simply imitate nature; it reconstructs the world, expanding the expressive possibilities of art. Geometric Essence: "The artist sees things not only in their visible form, but in their very essence, as they exist in space and time, and reconstructs them by means of their geometrical relationships." ○ Abstraction of Nature: Cubists represented objects as geometric shapes, breaking down complex forms into basic components. Intellectual Exploration: "The painter, as a man of thought, studies nature in order to recreate it in a more complete way, by reducing it to its simple and essential elements." ○ Art as Inquiry: Cubism viewed art not just as aesthetic expression but as an intellectual investigation of reality. The Revolutionary Ideas of Cubism Challenging Norms: Cubism disrupted established artistic conventions. Groundwork for Abstraction: It laid the foundation for abstract art. Symbolism Jean Moréas (1856–1910) Key Figure in Symbolism: Jean Moréas was a Greek poet, essayist, and art critic who played a central role in the French Symbolist movement. Literary Background: He moved to Paris in 1875 and became involved in literary circles. The Symbolist Manifesto Purpose: This manifesto laid out the foundations of the Symbolist movement in literature and art. Reaction Against Romanticism and Naturalism: It emerged as a response against the dominant styles of Romanticism and Naturalism. Focus on Subjectivity and Symbolism: It advocated for an artistic approach that emphasized subjectivity and expressing ideas through symbols rather than direct representation. Why Is It Important? Evolution of Literature: The manifesto marks a crucial shift in literary history, signaling the decline of Romanticism and the rise of a new artistic sensibility. New Artistic Language: It introduced innovative methods of poetic expression and literary technique. Lasting Influence: Symbolism shaped modern literature and influenced subsequent artistic movements. Cultural Impact: It represented a significant change in how art could convey meaning and truth. Core Concepts The Nature of Artistic Evolution: ○ Cycles of Innovation and Decay: Art progresses in predictable cycles. New movements arise as old ones lose their vitality. ○ Necessity of Change: Change is inevitable and crucial for artistic growth. Symbolic Expression: ○ Indirect and Suggestive: Ideas should be presented indirectly and suggestively. ○ Concrete Images for Abstract Truths: Concrete images should point to abstract ideas. ○ Subjective Perception: Reality should be filtered through individual perception and transformed. Language and Form: ○ Complex and Archetypal Writing: Symbolism promoted complex, archetypal writing styles. ○ Experimental Rhythm and Verse: It encouraged experimentation with rhythm and verse. ○ Revival of Older Language: It supported the revival of richer, older language traditions. Artistic Freedom: ○ Rejection of Rigid Rules: Symbolism rejected strict rules and conventions. ○ Embracing Complexity: It embraced complexity and apparent obscurity. ○ Individual Expression over Tradition: It valued individual expression over adhering to traditional forms. Ang Kiukok: Fusion of Western Modernism and Filipino Sensibilities Ang Kiukok (1931–2005) Filipino Artist with Chinese Heritage: Born in Davao City, Philippines to Chinese immigrant parents.  Early Influences: Studied under Filipino modernists Victorio Edades, Diosdado Lorenzo, and Galo Ocampo. Apprenticeship: Apprenticed under neo-realist Vicente Manansala. Western Influences: Influenced by Francis Bacon and Pablo Picasso. Shift in Style: After encountering Picasso's Guernica in the late 1960s, his style shifted from traditional and peaceful to geometric and angst-ridden. Themes: His art explored themes of human suffering, social critique, and life's struggles, often depicting figures in pain, distorted animals, and desolate landscapes. Legacy: Known for his unique blend of Western modernism and Filipino cultural elements, powerful social commentary, and influence on later generations of Filipino artists. Picasso's Influence on Ang Kiukok Fragmentation and Geometric Forms Cubist Influence: Kiukok adopted Picasso's technique of fragmentation, breaking down objects into geometric shapes. Examples: ○ Yellow Fish Skeleton (1979): The fish is composed of sharp angles and planes, conveying a sense of starkness and transience. ○ Fishermen (1994): The net and figures are constructed from angular shapes. Multiple Perspectives Adaptation of Cubist Principle: While Kiukok used the idea of multiple perspectives, he often focused on creating a single, powerful image conveying a specific emotion or message. Contrast with Picasso: This differed from Picasso's work, which often featured multifaceted viewpoints. Distortion and Expressionism Expressive Distortion: Kiukok's figures are often twisted, contorted, or elongated to express anguish, suffering, or rage. Example: Crucifixion (1968) reflects the political and social turmoil of the Philippines under the Marcos regime. Ang Kiukok's Filipino Context Social Commentary Critique of Social Issues: His paintings often commented on poverty, inequality, and the struggles of ordinary Filipinos.  Example: Fishermen (1994) represents marginalized communities facing difficult livelihoods. Cultural Symbolism Use of Color: Kiukok's vibrant colors, reminiscent of traditional Filipino textiles, add a layer of cultural meaning to his work. Emotional Resonance Shared Humanity: The raw intensity of his paintings, even in depictions of seemingly ordinary subjects, evokes a sense of shared human experience and struggle. Ang Kiukok's Quote: "Open your eyes. Look around you. So much anger, sorrow, ugliness. And also madness.” This quote encapsulates Kiukok's keen observation of the human condition and his artistic mission to portray the complexities of life, including both its beauty and its darker aspects.