Modern Art

ROY LICHTENSTEIN-“WHAAM!”

1. To what school and time period does this work of art belong?

            1950s and 1960s

2. Briefly describe the artist’s aesthetic methods and choices: color, line, composition, brushwork, etc.

 Cartoon-like painting method with acrylic oil. Thick lines, large detail.

 3. Speculate on the image’s larger cultural meanings and uses.  Does it celebrate certain ideals or a particular worldview?  Does it challenge conventional ways of thinking about its subject matter?

 This is a painting having to do with planes in the war. Lichtenstein wanted to show that a violent and emotionally charged subject could be conveyed using a detached, somewhat mechanical technique.

 4. Finally, relate something interesting you learned about the artist or the piece from listening to the audio guide.

 The way Lichtenstein painted he wanted the viewers to be able to decipher their own meaning from his work, this is why he used his stylized technique.

 **ANDY WARHOL-“MARILYN DIPTYCH”

1. To what school and time period does this work of art belong?

              1962

2. Briefly describe the artist’s aesthetic methods and choices: color, line, composition, brushwork, etc.

Silkscreening, very bright colors contrasting with black and white palette.

3. Speculate on the image’s larger cultural meanings and uses.  Does it celebrate certain ideals or a particular worldview?  Does it challenge conventional ways of thinking about its subject matter?

 This was made to show the ubiquitous presence of the media. The two main concepts are death and the cult of celebrity. This was made soon after Marilyn Monroe’s death but demonstrated her past presence in the world and media.

 4. Finally, relate something interesting you learned about the artist or the

piece from listening to the audio guide.

I found it interesting that the contrasting colors to the fading black and white is symbolic of Marilyn’s fade to mortality. Warhol had more meaning behind his work than people initially saw.

Visiting the Tate Modern was an interesting experience. I was surprised at how much of the art I actually liked considering I have never been a big fan of modern art. One thing I enjoyed about each of these paintings is the bright colors and the way they capture your attention. Although I'm not sure three vacuums lined up over a flourescent light should truly be considered art, I did enjoy other pieces in the museum.

The Louve and Musee Rodin

One of my favorite parts of the past three months has been our trip to Paris. I was able to visit so many museums and so much of the art that I've loved since my senior year in my Art History class. It was incredible to finally go to the Louvre and see so many amazing works of art that I've been waiting so long to see. My favorite sculpture of all time, Nike of Samothrace was the first thing I saw. Walking through the halls and then seeing this enormous beautiful sculpture at the top of the stairs was so amazing. The detail of her robes and wings is amazing and something about her is so mysterious. The next big thing I was able to see was Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and it was just what I expected. It really is an incredible painting and it was so surreal to be standing there looking it for so long. I love Da Vinci's work and I could have stared all day, unfortunately I had other places to be but it was an amazing experience to see all the wonderful art the Louvre has to offer.

Another great place we went to was Musee Rodin. I've always been a big fan of Rodin's sculptures so it was really neat to walk through the gardens and his house to see all of his work. I had never realized just how many pieces of work he has but the house is full of them and most of them are so beautiful. A few of my favorites are "Burghers of Calais" and "The Thinker." All of Rodin's work is incredible, he has such a different technique that makes his work come to life.