(Get it? Shades?--nobody groan.)
Here is a link to a blog about the mural that the Los Angeles Police Department commissioned Birk to paint inside their headquarters. Here's the entire photo gallery.
Let's just say Birk deviated from the original sketch and treated topics the LAPD would never have OKed, ala Dante-style. Are you attracted to art with an edge? In other words, does your aesthetic desire works of art, literature, and music that touch upon the controversial, the angst-ridden, the unsolved and disenfranchised? Or do you prefer art that soothes and calms--rather than instigates. Please comment.
I love art with an edge, or art that is crazy different. One of my favorite artist is Alex Grey. http://www.alexgrey.com/ take a look at some of his work. He did artwork for the band Tool. And his work is so detailed and out there. I absolutly love it.
ReplyDeleteCaitie,I hadn't even heard of Alex Grey. But I can definitely understand why you love his paintings, especially those under "Progress of the Soul." A couple of them reminded me of some of the images we've seen on Dantesworld--"Artist's Hand" and "Despair." And "Bardo Being" just messes with my mind/eyesight. Did you by chance look at some of the performances--"Wasteland" is pretty twisted. Out of curiosity, Caitie, what did you think about Sandow Birk's painting?
ReplyDeleteCaitie, I really enjoyed the link you put up. I found the way Grey seemed to portray male and female roles in "Progress of the Soul" quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteI've always had a strong belief about art. In my life, it has always been important to me to feel as much as possible and as honestly as possible. To feel is to be alive. I think that anything that makes you feel is art. Yes, really anything. I think all of us like that calm feeling everyone once in a while, but I personally like when something provokes a new feeling inside of me. The feelings I cannot name come from the greatest works of art.
admire artists very much for what they do, but to be honest, as silly as it sounds I'm scared of paintings. Ever since I was little they just creep me out and scare me alot. So I try to avoid them. But when it comes to literature I love the work of stephen king. It's a thrill, and his books relax me so I can sit and enjoy them no matter what is going in my life.I recentally got done reading 'Despiration' Which I think is my favorite he has written. Another artist I love is Motzart. His music brings so many emotions out. It gives me this undescribeable feeling like what ashely said. Symphony 40 is my favorite because of the range of emotion in the pice. It brings me back into the time period and I love it. Here's a link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z9SivM16iw&feature=related
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of quiet at first.
I've seen some of Alex Grey's work before, I really like it. You should also check out Jack Haas (http://www.jackhaas.net/) if you like Alex Grey.
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't just paint or create digital art, but he's taken art to the extreme. If you go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8MqxtdPpf8&feature=channel or scroll down to the bottom of his home page, you'll see what I mean. He fused together five different stringed instruments, which I find amazing.
Those artists you guys put up are simply fascination. I didn't even know such a wide range of art was out there. I am not really big into art. Aside from what i learned in art classes throughout school and whatever i manage to pick up from going to the art museum. This whole reaching out to look at other people’s work is really actually pretty cool. I have mostly just gotten to know a little bit or graphic design work, but to see the details of the murals and how each piece of art is perceived differently is really just amazing.
ReplyDeleteI think that Sandow Birk's painting is really cool. I know that is wasn’t really popular among the townspeople, because yeah is does kind of paint their town in a not as good light. But still that’s what is taken away from an outsiders point of view. So they can’t really blame him that much.
I think it is only part of human nature to be attracted to edgy art. It sparks curiosity and keeps us captured and wondering why? Why is this object here? Does it symbolize something? What was the author feeling when they created this? Perhaps we are so intrigued by such controversial works of art because once we can depict it we can learn a little bit more about ourselves and how we see the world. For instance, if we analyze the lyrics of an edgy song, we see it through the author’s mind and instantly compare ourselves to the meaning and if we agree to it. Or maybe we crave it for the satisfaction of solving the puzzle. I know I fit half way into this category. I enjoy the feeling of success after analyzing an interesting painting. But the other half of me likes to figure out if I agree with the message of the painting. Although, I would rather have works of art that are calming instead of instigating.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a favorite artist just because the art im interested in isnt picture form, but i can say that i am attracted to edgy art. I agree with emilys statement saying that it is human nature. For example, with dantes puppet show, the fact that Mrs.Holloway said that the things on the blog werent necessarily acceptable for school, everyone was eager to look into it. Edgy art has the same effect, it keeps us guessing and makes us think outside of the box.
ReplyDeleteI whole-heartedly agree with Ashley Hagy. Everything she said is how I feel about art, I could never come up with such a way to say it, though.
ReplyDeleteArt is honestly what keeps me going. Books, Music, even writing my own pieces. I need to have these things in my life to stay sane.
The type of art I enjoy depends on how I am feeling. I mostly like edgy art, that dares to go where not everyone wants to go. I really appreciate honesty, and it seems like honesty and edgy tend to go hand in hand.
However, sometimes it is nice to escape what is real and find some soothing, calm art to experience. But I don't enjoy that as much.
Zach, I checked out Jack Haas' home page. I am intrigued by his abstract art work, especially his pencil drawings--I find myself wondering what was in his mind, what certain images might represent, etc. Like the one labeled "love." Someone want to speculate? And did you take notice of the quote he had by Carl Jung at the bottom of his site? Or the one slightly above it by Tao te Ching? And the Cosmosis video is so peaceful--it's like you transcend time and space just listening and watching. Thanks for introducing me to someone new!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you put that Caitlin. I like art that "dares to go where not everyone wants to go." That is sort of a passion of mine. to go where no one has been before; Mine is more in thought and in literature, but if I were big into art, that would be my interest there as well. However, I don't like blunt opposition. To interest me, it has to be hidden, a present for me to find.
ReplyDeleteI'll side with Caitlin on this one, both soothing and edgy have there time and place. For instance, I really enjoy a lot of pointless feelgood music, but I also absolutely love Flobots, a majorly leftwing and slightly religious band. Check out there song "Same Thing" on Grooveshark, I don't neccessarily agree with all of there views, but it did get me thinking. All the names listed at the end I've researched. In the overthrow section, the USA WAS involved in the military coups that usurped each leader, and all the Brng back" names are people who died in the Civil Rights movement. I wouldn't have known any of this, had i not listened to their song. It really effected my view of America.
ReplyDeleteHowever on Birk's particular work, did anybody else notice that in Holloway's article link it says the debate on Birk's art started in 2004?
If the city couldn't agree on it then, why wait until he's completed the mural to raise the whole issue?
So I just went and checked out the link Caitie posted. Alex Grey’s art left me baffled. I really liked his painting of the “Artist hand.” For some strange reason it reminded me of Guernica, a painting by Picasso. The painting is represents the bombing of Guernica, Spain in 1937. I can understand how Pablo had such a strong view of this event, given that he was Spanish. But I have to wonder how he was able to translate his emotions into the painting so well.
ReplyDeleteHere’s a link to the painting: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/powerofart/images/popups/picasso.jpg
Also, did anyone check out the link Zach posted of Jack Haas’ Omstrument and check out his YouTube video? It’s pretty awesome. Here’s the link again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO5EpF40yag
I also agree with the statement Caitlin made, I love art that "dares to go where not everyone wants to go." To me, art is just another way to express your true thoughts and feelings. One of my absolute favorite places to visit is the St. Louis art Museum. I can gaze at a painting forever, examining every bit of detail placed within it and admire the message the artist is attempting to convey.
ReplyDeleteIn the “the mural” I noticed that he had very few colors that stood out: red, yellow, green and orange. Why orange though? It was not placed on the flag like the other three colors.
Why not take some virtual tours of art galleries and share what catches your eye and why?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.virtualgallerytours.com/Sample-Gallery/index.html
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/virtual-tour.htm
http://www.virtualfreesites.com/museums.museums.html
For the most part, I aesthetically like the edgy artwork more than the "calm and soothing". I want to see something that makes a statement, that makes me think; think about myself, think about others, think about the country. The bolder and more out there, the better.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I would put something like that up in my house, or maybe I would, we'll see. But on that note, I think art like that should be in the public, for as many people to see as possible. It's meant to make a statement, it should be seen.
I can't say I have a favorite artist either.If I had to choose, I think it would be the graffiti artist, Banksy. He sure as heck makes a statement with all of his work, especially since it's in public places, like buildings!
Regardless of whether we LIKE it or not, I agree that it is in our nature to be drawn to this kind of art. Whether positive or negative, art draws a strong reaction out of most people. Look at how much time these people have spent focusing on the mural. I also agree with a point touched upon in the article about the mirror that young people are more likely to accept controversial art. I personally saw nothing wrong with the mural.
ReplyDeleteI found Zach's youtube link to be pretty amazing. Not only can he create such an incredible instrument, but he actually manages to play it well.
Nick, glad you mentioned Banksy--he reminds me of Birk in terms of making political statements. Here's an article about one of Banksy's stunts in 2008: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-559547/Graffiti-artist-Banksy-pulls-audacious-stunt-date--despite-watched-CCTV.html
ReplyDeleteI didn't really know that art could spark this much of a discussion. It's cool to see how everyone has such wide opinions of how art affects them. I have to agree with pretty much everyone. I really like edgy art. Sometimes it can be relaxing and even refreshing to just sit and stare at art. Other times though looking at edgy art can stress me out a little more. Although there is one artist i have recently come across that is unique like the others but Its really just entertaining to look at. Her name is Elizabeth Murray, http://www.pbs.org/art21/artists/murray/index.html# Thats a link to information and artwork by her. Its really some unique and thought provoking stuff. It reminds me a little bit of picasso but with a unique twist.
ReplyDeleteMaking art controversial is a good technique for people to use their fame in a way to persuade people, I have to agree with Cait and Willie that I basically find it fascinating. I feel that if I were famous, I would most likely do the same thing. Use my fame to persuade people to think my ways. Most Celebs tend to do it anyways. Take the Band Green Day for example. They are the most politically controversial band I've ever known. Just listen to some of their songs or read some lyrics. Links posted below.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Nt5mEZ2r0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLL23yzfGjk
http://www.lyricsdomain.com/7/green_day/holiday.html
Hey, I was checking out Mary's link to Elizabeth Murray's paintings and decided to browse and read her interview titled "'Bop' and The Process of Painting." I found her discussion of resolution fascinating and it reminded me of something Mark mentioned about how he feels about art--going somewhere he hasn't been before. Hope you'll check it out. As a writer, I truly understood what she meant about sometimes not knowing where a piece is going.
ReplyDeleteCameron's right, the omstrument's amazingness definantly spawns from the fact its playable. Consider Blueman group, they makes statements against the neccessity of normalcy with their work. In fact when I saw there show, they openly criticized conventional rock dance movements, in a comedic way. As far as art goes they do pretty out there stuff too. They strung an audiance member upside down, painted him blue and swung him against a canvas. Not sure what it symbolized but it was definantly not "classical art."
ReplyDeleteI agree with Allen who agrees with Caitlin and Willy that art is just simply fascinating. For example (leaning towards Nick on this one with the graffiti), I'm intrigued by this piece of graffiti that was near my hotel in Paris.
ReplyDeletehttp://tinypic.com/r/2ro2pg0/4
Have any idea of what this artist is trying to convey?
Music is definitely one of the most prominent parts of not only my life, but me as a person. I really love Chan Marshall and most people don't enjoy her music as much as I do because of it's sound. Other things that people don't necessarily like, especially at first, are Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Low, Silver Mt. Zion, Microphones, plus some more that I don't feel like listing. I highly recommend listening to at least one of these artists when you have a chance. (I recommend grooveshark along with Willy). However, I also like more soothing music like Iron and Wine, Fleet Foxes, and This Will Destroy You, which I find to all be very soothing. I think, like many of us already said, there is a time and place for every type of art.
ReplyDeleteI used to be really into a group called The Dresden Dolls when I was younger and I still admire their photo shoots. Here's a link to their photo gallery.
http://www.dresdendolls.com/gallery/photo.album/index.htm
As a warning, gallery 14 is a nude photo shoot, so censor yourself. :]
They definitely have an edgy style, but there's something about some of their galleries I find soothing. And for some reason, even though gallery 14 is rather controversial, I find it calming. Maybe it has to do with the honesty in the picture and the simplicity. I think those are things that soothe me most. Honesty and simplicity. I wonder what it is inside of each of us that makes us calm or soothed by something.
Caitie I checked out Alex Gray's art and it really fasinated me. I like how in the "Progress of the Soul" it kinda tells a story. The way he painted the people with out skin, just showing the inside, was like he was trying to show people the inner beauty of the soul. You know how people say "its whats on he inside that counts". A question I had though was under the "Progress of the Soul" the one titled "Promise" - why was there a young child holding a skull? What did that represent" Did it have significance?
ReplyDelete**Just a bit of information for everyone, The Dresden Dolls (Ashley had mentioned them) refers to V.C. Andrews characters in the novel “Flowers in the Attic”. The story is about four children being placed in an attic for years while their mother attempts to acquire her father’s fortune. While locked in the attic two of the siblings begin to love each other. I am love these this series and wanted to share my bit of schema.**
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ashley, there is something soothing about these pictures. I think it is because it shows people as they are, in their true form. Instead of viewing nakedness as a sin and something that is ugly, I think it should be seen as beautiful. People tend to stray from controversies such as these, but we should embrace it. I wonder if the man in the woman depicted are suppose to symbolize the two siblings that were banned on being together, but loved each other anyways. I found it interesting that it was titled The Dresden Dolls.
One of my favorite portraits is “The Nighthawks”, http://faculty.evansville.edu/rl29/art105/img/hopper_nighthawks.jpg. There is something about this painting that culptivates me. It probably does because I am obsessed with the 1940s era and wish to have lived then. It is just so simply, but I can’t help to wonder why the painter, Edward Hopper, decided to depict such a typical scene.
I agree with Nick. I like art that makes me stop and say "Wow!" I like it when it catches my eye. Thats why I like the Banksy Grafiti on the wall in London. That is a "Wow!" art piece. He made that three story grafiti under the eye of a security camera. That makes you think.. is the world really being watched by protectors... or are we being lied to? Also to add to his grafiti, he came back and added more pictures, sort of mocking the authority of the city.
ReplyDeleteAshley, i took a look at the dresdon dolls, and i LOVE it. Especially albums 1,5, and 16. I also agree with mary in saying that art in all forms spark up such a great conversation.
ReplyDeleteJust like green days lyrics are controversial as allen sad, i would agree that other artists also have controversial lyrics. For example, Mary J. Blige and Ludacris, runaway love. Here is a link to that: http://www.elyrics.net/read/l/ludacris-lyrics/runaway-love-lyrics.html
It just talks about teenage girls struggling, which is just one of many controversial topics.
I'm afraid that I am limited in insight with regards to art. My art of choice is clearly literature, and the key to a successful novel is to write something crisp and fresh; something previously unheard of. Often, topics following these restrictions are ones of controversy. People pick up books that spark their interest, and nothing sparks interest more than a bold title regarding racism, or an unjust government, or the belittling of women. Controversy is key to making yourself noticed.
ReplyDeleteFunny thing I don't get why Birk's painting are offensive. I mean they have diversity, but there isn't any violence in them. Maybe I am missing something, but i don't see what makes them controverial.
ReplyDeleteI also took a look at the Dresden Dolls' photo albums. I was intrigued by many of the pictures. I really love album 14. I think that being someone who is very self concious has taught me to truly appreciate people who are willing to be vulnerable. This ties back in with edginess in art. Nudity is considered uncomfortable by many, but I find it beautiful. In my mind, it is yet another form of honesty which I admire more than anything.
ReplyDeleteBouncing off of Shayna's post "That makes you think.. is the world really being watched by protectors... or are we being lied to? Also to add to his grafiti, he came back and added more pictures, sort of mocking the authority of the city." That really makes you wonder.. Is the world really being watched every minute of every day? Does the government really keep track of all of our lives? Or are we constantly being lied to? Is there a false sence of security being put into our minds to keep our lives under control? Artists get away with things like this all the time. Just as people do with murder or other crimes. Is there something that maybe we should know that we dont?....
ReplyDeleteI love Willy's example of the Blueman Group. They are definitely not "normal" art.
ReplyDeleteI think any form of art could be viewed as controversial by someone. Artists create their work to project an idea, if they didn't it wouldn't be the time to look at. Anytime they put forth an idea someone is bound to disagree with them. My question is do the artist intentionally make their art a little controversial?