Critical Review: Essay Plan

In Project 2, you were introduced to the Critical Review (the essay component of this unit). You should have reached the point where you can identify a subject to write about and provide key details. You should have undertaken relevant research to ensure that your knowledge of this subject is such that you can take this task to the next stage.

Now it is time to present your knowledge of your subject in the following terms:

Essay question/topic/subject, with a provisional title: This will be born from your research and may take some time to arrive at. It should clearly define the parameters of a small piece of writing. It is as much about saying what you are not writing about as what you are.
Essay structure: this can be presented as a section or paragraph breakdown (mini synopses of key content and/or likely references) or else a broader overview of the arc of the essay - what it is that the essay sets out to achieve and how you will support your position/stance. You might also comment on how you intend to introduce and conclude your work.
Images you intend to include and provisional bibliography (using the Harvard referencing system).

Note: You could present your Essay Plan as a continuous document with clearly labelled headings, or else you could devise a table of contents, or you could even use extended bullet points. This should be discussed with your tutor. Remember that research is about knowledge acquisition and also about sharing. Thus, peer group conversations are very important. Ensure that you identify the source of all images. It is also important to include the author, date, title, medium and dimensions.

First rough draft on Art Nouveau - LINK TO POST

(I went to Vienna and gained inspiration from the architecture and artworks seen there)

Had I chosen the correct topic, or should my review be about patterns and decorative arts?

The second idea for the critical review essay.

Questions.

Am I covering too much ground with this second topic/s? I really think I am.

Should I be more selective? By that, should I cover just patterns in art or colour?

I know I need to use art theory or written quotes and refer to them. But, is there anywhere specific I need to know to find this information? Are the OCA library, online articles, books and first-hand research sufficient?

Should I change the subject to something else?

My writing feels cold and dull. I want to be more passionate about a subject, but something like materiality and the substance of the gloopy paint application is hard to research.

Would Matt Saunders or John Berger be better people to research? They seem grounded in painting but explore and push boundaries. Should I do the same with my writing?

Should I discuss what painting was, is and will be?

Should I review the critical review from the perspective that a critical review is a tricky subject to broach? When you are unsure of your practice and feel a little lost, choosing a subject to get your teeth into can be daunting. What has informed my practice, and how do I know what that is?

I think writing an essay/critical review on what painting is at this time and how technology has impacted the practice and informed my practice may be a better and more authentic route.

Second Draft/Notes/Essay

Exploring patterns, nature, and colour within painting, across Global Art Traditions.

(Introduction)

Painting has been a powerful and versatile medium used to express ideas and emotions for centuries. While individual styles and techniques have varied across time and geography, one consistent theme that emerges is the importance of fusions and connections. This interplay between patterns, nature, and colour is evident in diverse global art traditions, highlighting the universal appeal of these elements. This essay will underline these elements' significance in painting, how they have contributed to the art form's evolution, and how painting has shaped our world.

(The main body of the argument).

Patterns in Art

Gustav Klimt was a prominent Austrian painter who drew inspiration from various sources, including Japanese art, Egyptian art, and Byzantine mosaics. His travels to Italy and exposure to Renaissance art also significantly impacted his work. Klimt blended these diverse influences to create his distinctive style, using ornamental motifs, flattened forms, and shimmering gold leaf. This innovative approach to art significantly influenced the development of the Art Nouveau movement and Vienna's avant-garde art scene.

Klimt, G. The Kiss [Personal photograph taken at the Belvedere Vienna 2023]

In Islamic art, the patterns with geometric shapes and intricate designs, are not just decorative but have a more profound significance, representing the infinite nature of Allah and the interconnectedness of all things.

Al-Athar, J.M. (no date) Great Mosque of Damascus, Umayyad [Photo]. khanacademy.org

In Japanese art, patterns are often used to symbolise natural elements such as waves or clouds or to convey a sense of movement or rhythm. For example, the Ukiyo-e prints of the Edo period often featured patterns in the clothing and backgrounds of the figures depicted, creating a dynamic and vibrant image.

Hokusai, K. (1830) The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Colour woodblock print on paper) britishmuseum.org

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who has gained international recognition for her unique artistic style, which incorporates elements of traditional Japanese art into her works. Kusama's art explores themes of infinity, repetition, and the human psyche, which are central to many global art traditions. Kusama's use of patterns and colours in her works reflects the importance of fusions and connections in painting. In her Infinity Net series, Kusama creates intricate designs by repetitively applying small dots to a canvas, creating an illusion of endlessness. This technique is reminiscent of the traditional Japanese textile art of 'bingata,' which involves using stencils to create intricate patterns on fabric. Kusama's works often feature organic forms, such as dots and polka dots, symbolising all living things' interconnectedness. In Hinduism and Buddhism, for example, infinity is central to the belief in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Kusama's Infinity Net series reflects this idea of infinite cycles with its endless repetition of dots.

'This historical art is here to stay - even after the snow has melted and the flowers have scattered, the moon will rise, and a new day will begin again'- (Hongo, B.A. Japan today).

Nature in Art

Nature has also played a critical role in art across many different cultures. For example, in Chinese art, the natural world is often depicted through brushwork and calligraphy, with artists seeking to capture the essence of the natural world in their work. In Aboriginal art, nature is an essential element, with paintings often featuring symbols and motifs representing different aspects of the natural world. This connection to nature reflects the importance of the environment in Indigenous cultures and serves as a reminder of the need to protect and care for the natural world.

Tjupurrula, J.W. (1971) Untitled (Water Dreaming at Kalipinypa) Enamel on composition board bonhams.com

Colour in Art

Renaissance art used colours symbolically, with red representing love, blue representing purity, and green representing envy. The Birth of Venus uses red to express love, passion, and desire. The goddess Venus is depicted with flowing red hair, symbolising her love and vitality. The drapery around her waist and the roses on the ground around her feet are also painted in shades of red, further emphasising the theme of love.

Green was often used to represent envy, but in The Birth of Venus, it means the lushness of nature, the growth of new life, and the abundance of that life.

Botticelli, S. (c. 1485) Birth of Venus [tempera on canvas] britannica.com

In African art, colour conveys a sense of vitality and energy, with bright, bold colours featuring heavily in many traditional art forms and Mexican art, colour celebrates life and death, with vibrant colours such as yellow, orange, and red representing the joys of life, and black representing mourning and loss.

Frida Kahlo's a Mexican painter known for her self-portraits and unique style that blended elements of traditional Mexican art with European modernism. The bold use of colour, intricate patterns, and a deep connection to nature characterises the work. She often incorporated traditional Mexican motifs and symbols into her paintings, such as using flowers and animals and indigenous art techniques like embroidery and beading. Kahlo was also influenced by European modernism and the work of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera (whom she married in 1929). Through her fusion of different artistic and cultural traditions, Kahlo created a unique style that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent known for his powerful and expressive paintings that blend street art, graffiti, and neo-expressionism elements. Basquiat's work is an excellent example of how artists can draw on diverse cultural and artistic traditions to create something new and groundbreaking, and his paintings often feature a combination of abstract patterns, vivid colours, and bold text, as well as references to African American culture, music, and history.

Basquiat was also influenced by a wide range of art historical and cultural references, including the work of Pablo Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, and African masks and sculptures. He drew on these diverse sources to create a distinctive style reflecting his experiences and cultural background.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's work exemplifies the importance of fusions and connections in painting.

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese contemporary artist known for his work in various media, including sculpture, installation, and photography. Christie's says, 'In 1993, Ai began collecting ancient Chinese objects as a way of learning about his country's past before the Cultural Revolution. He says that exploring these artefacts, ranging from Stone Age tools found in the Yellow River region to porcelain cannonballs between the Tang and Song dynasties is essential to understanding 'an integral part of human culture'.

Ai Weiwei's work often explores social justice, human rights, and political activism themes. He frequently incorporates traditional Chinese motifs and symbols into his pieces, such as ancient pottery, bamboo, and calligraphy. He also draws on elements of Western modernism and conceptual art, which he was exposed to while studying in the United States.

A notable work by Ai Weiwei is "Forever Bicycles," which features thousands of bicycles arranged in a complex, interconnected pattern. The installation explores themes of urbanisation, the rapid pace of change in modern China, and the cultural significance of the bicycle in Chinese society.

His ability to blend elements of traditional Chinese art with contemporary Western styles reflects a broader trend towards globalisation and cross-cultural exchange in the art world.

(Conclusion)

In conclusion, by drawing inspiration from different sources and embracing diversity in art, my practice continually develops from the global influences and unique works that speak of the human experience. Painting or making are means of creative exploration, collaboration, and innovation to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

Painting is a visual medium, and fusing different styles, techniques, and influences can create compelling and dynamic artwork. Combining different elements allows me to crave an original style that stands out from other works and captures the viewer's attention. Collaboration enriches my practice, and fusions and connections can help push the boundaries of traditional painting, assisting cultural exchange and understanding by exploring and incorporating different artistic traditions and practices worldwide. Painters can create works that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives, promoting greater empathy and appreciation for other cultures.

References:

Image 1 - Al-Athar, J.M. (no date) Great Mosque of Damascus, west arcade of the courtyard, Umayyad [Photo]. Available at: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-islam/chronological-periods-islamic/islamic-art-early/a/mosaics-in-the-early-islamic-world (Accessed: 4 April 2023).

Image 2 - Hokusai, K. (1830) The Great Wave off Kanagawa [Colour woodblock print on paper. 25.80 centimetres x 37.90 centimetres]. Available at: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_2008-3008-1-JA (Accessed: 4 April 2023).

Image 3; Deblonde., ©.G. (2013) White Infinity Nets - Portrait of Yayoi Kusama Photo [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.e-flux.com/announcements/186662/yayoi-kusamawhite-infinity-nets/ (Accessed: 9 April 2023).

Image 4: Tjupurrula, J.W. (1971) Untitled (Water Dreaming at Kalipinypa) [Enamel on composition board 59 x 28cm (23 1/4 x 11in).]. Available at: https://www.bonhams.com/auction/19376/lot/20/johnny-warangkula-tjupurrula-circa-1925-2001-untitled-water-dreaming-at-kalipinypa/ (Accessed: 4 April 2023).

Image 5 - Botticelli, S. (c. 1485) Birth of Venus [tempera on canvas]. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Birth-of-Venus.

Quotes

Ai Weiwei: 'No matter how I fantasise and struggle, truth still determines my behaviour' (2023) Christies. Available at: https://www.christies.com/features/ai-weiwei-a-new-exhibition-at-the-design-museum-12703-1.aspx (Accessed: 4 April 2023).

Hongo, B.A. (2017) 'Long-lost painting's rediscovery puts ukiyo-e in the international spotlight', Japan Today., 29 March. Available at: https://japantoday.com/category/features/long-lost-paintings-miraculous-rediscovery-puts-ukiyoe-in-international-spotlight (Accessed: 4 April 2023).

HOW PAINTINGS WORK