Is it contemporary performance art? Is is just a music video. What do you think?
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
YOKO ONO, I LOVE YOU.
Is it contemporary performance art? Is is just a music video. What do you think?
Monday, November 4, 2013
The Reckoning : "Why are there no great female artists?"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/04/the-reckoning_n_4179300.html?ref=topbar
OK everyone. Let's get past that this is a Huffington Post article and move on to what it is about.
Here is the first sentence of the article: "In 2008, four female authors gathered together to address a decades-old question, once posited by art historian Linda Nochlin: 'Why have there been no great women artists?'"
After I read this first sentence is was like "WHAT? How can they say that?" I started listing off women in my head, Louise Bourgeois, Frida Kahlo, Mariana Abramovic, Kara Walker, Mya Lin, Cindy Sherman, Rebecca Horn, Adrian Piper, Eva Hess, Judy Chicago, etc... Then I read the rest of the article. Despite its misleading first line, the article talks about a group of women who are answering that question by shinning light on great female artists that have influenced art of the new millennium. The art world has been traditionally seen as a "Boys Club". Historically men have dominated. Just look at any art history book that focuses on art before the 1950's. With the exception of Georgia O'keeffe, Frida Kahlo, and maybe Marie Cassatt, women artists are hardly mentioned. Then we move into feminist art and the women's movement and things start pick up... a little.
I have always been told that it will be very difficult to break into the art world. And as a female artist, not to mention a female artist of color, it will be even harder. The meaning of all of my work will be attributed to my gender or my race. Even when I insist that most of my pieces have to do with neither. Now, it did take me a while to realize that my work is about being a woman, and in some cases my race does play into my work, but that is because my experiences go into my work. I guess I found it a bit insulting that if I used something feminine in my work, the work was immediately perceived as about the feminist movement. Oh and don't get my started on the use of chains in my work. "You are black, right?." Yes I am of Haitian descent. "Then your work is about being black. That is why you used the chains!" Um... *silence*. Yes this is from an actual conversation. But now I am proud of the work that focuses on these issues, because these issues are a part of who I am. People still interpret the pieces incorrectly... at least differently from how I meant them to be perceived, but that is what is so wonderful about art. It is open to interpretation... even if that is frustrating sometimes. And I always have the fun part of defying expectations and turning people's perceptions of my work, my races, or my gender on their heads.
But anyways back to the article. As a woman I want to represent women in the art world. I love when I see work by a woman. Especially contemporary work. On the hard days, it makes me feel like maybe I can do it too one day. This article talks about two books about influencial female artist from the 1970s onwards.
After the Revolution http://www.amazon.com/After-Revolution-Transformed-Contemporary-Art-Revised/dp/3791347551?tag=vglnkc7306-20
This book looks at influential female artists from the late 70's until the new millennium. The article finished this section with this quote:
"The battles may not all have been won," the authors wrote. "But barricades are gradually coming down, and work proceeds on all fronts in glorious profusion." It will still be a struggle, but more and more female artists are being recognized.
The second book that just came out last month is The Reckoning: Women Artists of the New Millennium http://www.randomhouse.de/book/The-Reckoning-Women-Artists-of-the-New-Millennium/Eleanor-Heartney/e423676.rhd
This book looks at the art 24 international female artists of the new millennium. the samples in the article are intriguing, and I cannot wait to read about these women who are making it in the art world today. My former professor would call it checking out the competition. And I agree. I plan to be showing with these women someday; I should know what they are doing. Because if you don't know what is going on in the world, how can you make good art.
OK everyone. Let's get past that this is a Huffington Post article and move on to what it is about.
Here is the first sentence of the article: "In 2008, four female authors gathered together to address a decades-old question, once posited by art historian Linda Nochlin: 'Why have there been no great women artists?'"
After I read this first sentence is was like "WHAT? How can they say that?" I started listing off women in my head, Louise Bourgeois, Frida Kahlo, Mariana Abramovic, Kara Walker, Mya Lin, Cindy Sherman, Rebecca Horn, Adrian Piper, Eva Hess, Judy Chicago, etc... Then I read the rest of the article. Despite its misleading first line, the article talks about a group of women who are answering that question by shinning light on great female artists that have influenced art of the new millennium. The art world has been traditionally seen as a "Boys Club". Historically men have dominated. Just look at any art history book that focuses on art before the 1950's. With the exception of Georgia O'keeffe, Frida Kahlo, and maybe Marie Cassatt, women artists are hardly mentioned. Then we move into feminist art and the women's movement and things start pick up... a little.
I have always been told that it will be very difficult to break into the art world. And as a female artist, not to mention a female artist of color, it will be even harder. The meaning of all of my work will be attributed to my gender or my race. Even when I insist that most of my pieces have to do with neither. Now, it did take me a while to realize that my work is about being a woman, and in some cases my race does play into my work, but that is because my experiences go into my work. I guess I found it a bit insulting that if I used something feminine in my work, the work was immediately perceived as about the feminist movement. Oh and don't get my started on the use of chains in my work. "You are black, right?." Yes I am of Haitian descent. "Then your work is about being black. That is why you used the chains!" Um... *silence*. Yes this is from an actual conversation. But now I am proud of the work that focuses on these issues, because these issues are a part of who I am. People still interpret the pieces incorrectly... at least differently from how I meant them to be perceived, but that is what is so wonderful about art. It is open to interpretation... even if that is frustrating sometimes. And I always have the fun part of defying expectations and turning people's perceptions of my work, my races, or my gender on their heads.
But anyways back to the article. As a woman I want to represent women in the art world. I love when I see work by a woman. Especially contemporary work. On the hard days, it makes me feel like maybe I can do it too one day. This article talks about two books about influencial female artist from the 1970s onwards.
After the Revolution http://www.amazon.com/After-Revolution-Transformed-Contemporary-Art-Revised/dp/3791347551?tag=vglnkc7306-20
This book looks at influential female artists from the late 70's until the new millennium. The article finished this section with this quote:
"The battles may not all have been won," the authors wrote. "But barricades are gradually coming down, and work proceeds on all fronts in glorious profusion." It will still be a struggle, but more and more female artists are being recognized.
The second book that just came out last month is The Reckoning: Women Artists of the New Millennium http://www.randomhouse.de/book/The-Reckoning-Women-Artists-of-the-New-Millennium/Eleanor-Heartney/e423676.rhd
This book looks at the art 24 international female artists of the new millennium. the samples in the article are intriguing, and I cannot wait to read about these women who are making it in the art world today. My former professor would call it checking out the competition. And I agree. I plan to be showing with these women someday; I should know what they are doing. Because if you don't know what is going on in the world, how can you make good art.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
COSTUMES!
Halloween is fast approaching! I love Halloween! Not only do I get to decorate my house (or in this year's case, my friend Ashley's house) with gorgeous and gruesome decorations, but I get to dress up!
Fashion is an art form its self. I will write a LONG post on that soon. I promise. But for now, here are some of my costumes. Some I created my self, others are hand made. Some of the costumes are even store bought, but I always add my own touches. The details are what make a costume amazing! Now some of thee photos are not the best, but I think you can get the idea of what I was trying to do. It wasn't until recently that I realized that these costumes are my art work as well. In the future I will take better photos. I hope you enjoy. If you have any questions about where I got my ideas, where I obtained pieces, or how I made things please ask in the comments! I am willing to share!
Th Sugar Skull (Halloween 2013)- I have always admired The Day of the Dead. It is such a beautiful and meaningful holiday. I wish we celebrated it here. I wanted a creepy but beautiful costume. I made the shawl, flower head dress and painted my face. I looked at real sugar skulls from Mexico to crate the deign. I bought the skeleton jumpsuit at a local Halloween store. Like I said, the eye is in the details. I raided my grandmother's old jewelry to find the necklaces. It really is just a coincidence that the necklaces are the colors of the Mexican flag. I found the necklaces deep in my jewelry box. Everything came together so well. I am really happy with it.
The Warrior Fairy (August 2013)- So kind of a cross between Game of Thrones and Peter Pan. I did the gold makeup. I made the armor out of spirals of copper wire. I sewed the white under tunic and skirt. I altered the belt with hot glue and paint. Finally, I made the wings out of steel and brass wire. It did not turn out exactly how I wanted it to, but It was a lot of fun. I also made my awesome friend's Octopus hat! She put together the rest of her outfit! Doesn't she look amazing?!!!!
This is a fantasy nymph dress for my friend. I bought the corset but altered and made the rest. I can't say any more about it right now. But it was so fun to make.
Lt. Uhura. OK, not many notes on this. Don't be afraid to ask for help!!!My amazing neighbor Jean made the dress. I found the wig and boots online. I made the earrings and the blue tooth communicator. I got so many compliments!
Yes that is Nichelle Nichols, the Original Lt. Nyota Uhura. She complimented my costume! *SQUEE* Yes I am a fairy again. I made the wings and had dress. I bought the lacy dress at Forever 21. Accessories, Accessories, Accessories.
I've talked about my thesis in a past post. HereI sewed all of the costumes. Actually most of the linens as well. It was so much fun to dress up. Be something I wasn't. I just love dressing up. It was just the cherry on top that I got to do it for my thesis project.
My favorite costume. Th Fall fairy: Yes... I like fairies. I bought the corset. I made the wings from wire and individual fake leaves. The skirt is made from strips of fabric, a belt, and leaves. I think the makeup and hair make the character. Also I made the conscious decision to not wear shoes. This character is in tune with nature. Shoes would have taken away from the character.
Sometimes just one or two items can make a costume. Jean created the hood for me. The basket is from Good Will.
Renaissance Masquerade: My parents bought m the dress in high school. I love Renaissance Faires. I added the mask and jewelry. I think it was a successful costume.
Samwise Gamgee- Five Words: Thrift Shops Are Your Friends.
Fashion is an art form its self. I will write a LONG post on that soon. I promise. But for now, here are some of my costumes. Some I created my self, others are hand made. Some of the costumes are even store bought, but I always add my own touches. The details are what make a costume amazing! Now some of thee photos are not the best, but I think you can get the idea of what I was trying to do. It wasn't until recently that I realized that these costumes are my art work as well. In the future I will take better photos. I hope you enjoy. If you have any questions about where I got my ideas, where I obtained pieces, or how I made things please ask in the comments! I am willing to share!
A Vulcan: I sewed the robes and the dress. The makeup was Key. Vulcans have copper, not iron based blood, so I needed to have a green tint to my skin. I achieved that with green eyeshadow. I also had to create the iconic eyebrows. Elmer's glue sticks are your friends. They glue down and smooth the hairs so you can paint over them. I then drew the eyebrows in.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
I am so...so... sorry.
I have neglected you dear readers... of which I have five... I promise to write soon. Until then, here are pictures of people doing things I do every day, but in ways I shall never be able to do them. A photography series by Jordan Matter. Ballet Dancers in Random Situations.
http://www.lostateminor.com/2013/09/04/ballet-dancers-in-random-situations/
Enjoy. :-)
http://www.lostateminor.com/2013/09/04/ballet-dancers-in-random-situations/
Enjoy. :-)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Marina Abramovic's Kickstarter.
So... I found out today that Artist Marina Abramovic has a Kickstarter for the creation of the Marina Abramovic Institute. A new type of museum that allows for audience and visitor participation and interaction with works. Here is the Kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/422090958/marina-abramovic-institute-the-founders/
Abramovic is asking for $600,000 to start this project. The backers would be considered founders of the museum and receive different incentives for pledging to the museum. This includes incentives ranging from a hug from Abramovic at $1, to discussing your own project with the artist at $5,000, or, my favorite, no acknowledgement at all at $10,000. The museum would allow for a new space to discuss and perform contemporary performance art.
Now I know what many of you are thinking: "Performance art... ugh...", But I truly enjoy Abramovic's work. I love the physicality of it. How emotional it is, and even how gruesome or overwhelming it can be. I understand it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but take a look. I am not asking you to love it, or have a spiritual awakening because of her work, I am just asking you to consider it. The Film, The Artist is Present, gives a nice overview of her work. http://marinafilm.com/about-marina-abramovic I had the chance to see this piece at MoMA and I was moved. Too bad I was too scared to sit across for her. I truly regret that I didn't.
Now the controversy behind this kickstarter. Many people are asking why a wealthy and well known artist Abramovic would ask for money form us "Normal people". She has the money to complete the project herself. She has many wealthy admires and patrons, and could probably fund raise to get the money from them. She recently appeared in the Jay-Z Picasso Baby performance in NYC, and Lady Gaga has even supported the project by creating a video with Abramovic. Here that is by the way: http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/7/4600404/lady-gaga-gets-naked-to-promote-marina-abramovic-institute Why ask us?
Well my readers, why not? It is important to fund the arts. I know a lot of people who would jump at the chance to be a part of an Abramovic project, and this is the chance. The project and fundraising is a large scale performance piece in itself. Some of the prize incentives even discuss learning movements for future performances. Many of Abramovic's past pieces involve audience and viewer participation, and this is no different. It even seems that visiting the museum will be a performance piece.
"Enter, and you'll be asked to sign a contract promising to stay at least six hours. Then you'll don a lab coat and noise-canceling headphones, and put your belongings in a safety deposit box. You'll then be led through a series of exercises including some favorites, such as sitting across from a stranger and making extended eye contact, and meditating in a cave of crystals." -Adrianne Jeffries The Verge:http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/27/4562574/marina-abramovic-institute-kickstarter
In the end we will have an awesome and thought provoking new museum to visit in NYC. But what do you think? Should Abramovic be asking her fan's for the money for a project that could be funded by other means? Will this museum truly be innovative and depend on audience participation? What do you think of performance art?What do you think of Marina Abramovic's art?
I am not sure if I will donate. It may seem shallow and silly, but am still a bit hesitant to give my money to someone so wealthy. But it is going to creating a museum. A museum for performance art, which I myself create. (Maybe I will be in there someday. It would be pretty amazing to have work in a major museum that I helped fund.... *sigh* Dreams.) In a world where art and art education budgets are being cut, spreading knowledge of art is very important. This museum will help do that. And I have to admit, getting a hug form Marina Abramovic for just $1 is tempting.
Abramovic is asking for $600,000 to start this project. The backers would be considered founders of the museum and receive different incentives for pledging to the museum. This includes incentives ranging from a hug from Abramovic at $1, to discussing your own project with the artist at $5,000, or, my favorite, no acknowledgement at all at $10,000. The museum would allow for a new space to discuss and perform contemporary performance art. Now I know what many of you are thinking: "Performance art... ugh...", But I truly enjoy Abramovic's work. I love the physicality of it. How emotional it is, and even how gruesome or overwhelming it can be. I understand it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but take a look. I am not asking you to love it, or have a spiritual awakening because of her work, I am just asking you to consider it. The Film, The Artist is Present, gives a nice overview of her work. http://marinafilm.com/about-marina-abramovic I had the chance to see this piece at MoMA and I was moved. Too bad I was too scared to sit across for her. I truly regret that I didn't.
Now the controversy behind this kickstarter. Many people are asking why a wealthy and well known artist Abramovic would ask for money form us "Normal people". She has the money to complete the project herself. She has many wealthy admires and patrons, and could probably fund raise to get the money from them. She recently appeared in the Jay-Z Picasso Baby performance in NYC, and Lady Gaga has even supported the project by creating a video with Abramovic. Here that is by the way: http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/7/4600404/lady-gaga-gets-naked-to-promote-marina-abramovic-institute Why ask us?
Well my readers, why not? It is important to fund the arts. I know a lot of people who would jump at the chance to be a part of an Abramovic project, and this is the chance. The project and fundraising is a large scale performance piece in itself. Some of the prize incentives even discuss learning movements for future performances. Many of Abramovic's past pieces involve audience and viewer participation, and this is no different. It even seems that visiting the museum will be a performance piece.
"Enter, and you'll be asked to sign a contract promising to stay at least six hours. Then you'll don a lab coat and noise-canceling headphones, and put your belongings in a safety deposit box. You'll then be led through a series of exercises including some favorites, such as sitting across from a stranger and making extended eye contact, and meditating in a cave of crystals." -Adrianne Jeffries The Verge:http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/27/4562574/marina-abramovic-institute-kickstarter
In the end we will have an awesome and thought provoking new museum to visit in NYC. But what do you think? Should Abramovic be asking her fan's for the money for a project that could be funded by other means? Will this museum truly be innovative and depend on audience participation? What do you think of performance art?What do you think of Marina Abramovic's art?
I am not sure if I will donate. It may seem shallow and silly, but am still a bit hesitant to give my money to someone so wealthy. But it is going to creating a museum. A museum for performance art, which I myself create. (Maybe I will be in there someday. It would be pretty amazing to have work in a major museum that I helped fund.... *sigh* Dreams.) In a world where art and art education budgets are being cut, spreading knowledge of art is very important. This museum will help do that. And I have to admit, getting a hug form Marina Abramovic for just $1 is tempting.
Monday, July 29, 2013
A mural was destroyed in the Ukraine.
This article was sent to me by my friend Sue Hanna. http://www.cimam.org/?utm_source=CIMAM+NEWSLETTER+MAILING+LIST&utm_campaign=ed78d6a06f-REGISTRATION_OPENS4_14_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bed3b7ae9-ed78d6a06f-66304077
A painting has been destroyed in the Ukraine... The headline reads "Ukrainian Museum Director Destroys Critical Painting Ahead Of President's Visit". The director, Natalia Zabolotna, apparently found the painting "Immoral... against the motherland..." and threw black paint on it. The artist Volodymyr Kuznetsov came to work on the mural and was not allowed in. I am so sad.. no angry about this. Nobody should destroy another person's work. I do not know what I would do if my work was vandalized. Apparently other works that were in the show, which the director deemed "immoral" were also removed.
I know things like this have happened before; the destruction of artwork, but I just find it so disheartening. If you don't agree with the message don't destroy it, discuss it. Have a meeting of the minds. Don't act in anger and haste because you feel you are right.
I suppose the only bright side that comes out of events like this, is that it draws attention to events like this. Maybe this will open discourse on the subject of the mural.
I can't articulate my thoughts right now. What do you all think?
A painting has been destroyed in the Ukraine... The headline reads "Ukrainian Museum Director Destroys Critical Painting Ahead Of President's Visit". The director, Natalia Zabolotna, apparently found the painting "Immoral... against the motherland..." and threw black paint on it. The artist Volodymyr Kuznetsov came to work on the mural and was not allowed in. I am so sad.. no angry about this. Nobody should destroy another person's work. I do not know what I would do if my work was vandalized. Apparently other works that were in the show, which the director deemed "immoral" were also removed.
 |
| Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Kuznetsov’s “Koliivschina: Judgment Day” |
I know things like this have happened before; the destruction of artwork, but I just find it so disheartening. If you don't agree with the message don't destroy it, discuss it. Have a meeting of the minds. Don't act in anger and haste because you feel you are right.
I suppose the only bright side that comes out of events like this, is that it draws attention to events like this. Maybe this will open discourse on the subject of the mural.
I can't articulate my thoughts right now. What do you all think?
Monday, July 8, 2013
The Lovely Local Artist... I mean The Logo.
Hey everyone. I promise to put up another post really soon. But is it day 18 of my friend's Kickstarter and their first Update is about ME!!!! (*Waves graciously*) http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2060915115/closet-brew-meadery/posts/527594?ref=activity
OK, OK. It is about the awesome logo I designed! It took about a year, but after several tries and changes the logo looks beautiful. But I suppose that is what commissioned advertising work is about. I wanted to get it just right for the guys, so it took some time.
Did I mention, if you back the project you can get items with my awesome logo on it? (*SMILES BIGGEST SMILE EVER*) Hint... Hint...
I am sure there will be even more changes in the future, but I am so happy that I got to be a small part of this project.
Check out the update!http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2060915115/closet-brew-meadery/posts/527594?ref=activity
OK, OK. It is about the awesome logo I designed! It took about a year, but after several tries and changes the logo looks beautiful. But I suppose that is what commissioned advertising work is about. I wanted to get it just right for the guys, so it took some time.
 |
| Design #1: I was happy with this, but the guys wanted more detail.. and color... Some people just don't understand minimalism. |
 |
| Design... A far number away from one: This is the latest version. I still prefer #1. :-) |
I am sure there will be even more changes in the future, but I am so happy that I got to be a small part of this project.
Check out the update!http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2060915115/closet-brew-meadery/posts/527594?ref=activity
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