On this blog, we will explore several major aesthetic theories from realism to postmodernism and engage in a dialogue about the very nature of art. Key contemporary artists will be explored in depth as each theory is unpacked and examined.
Each response should be between 150-250 words in length. These are due on the date listed at the top of each entry,
Monday, September 24, 2012
Compare the theories of realism and expressionism using works that you feel are supported by one or the other.
Realism is the practice of representing subject matter as it actually is, while avoiding abstract and conceptual formal elements. This art documents the naturalistic observation of true-to-life events. An artist concerned with realism would depict a chair as it is seen with the eye, thus creating a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional form. Malcolm Morley’s “Portrait of the Ruskin Family” depicts a typical family breakfast through the methods associated with photorealism. Along with depicting the figures, objects, and environment in a very naturalistic way, Morley constructed a portrait using a “real” scene rather than the typical, staged composition of a family portrait.
On the other hand, expressionism has less to do with documenting the subject as it really is and more to do with how the formal qualities evoke subjective feelings. This method utilizes various techniques of abstraction to convey emotion—color, line, media, shapes, etc. In Joan Mitchell's work entitled "Trees," the artist uses different brushstrokes and colors to depict a scene. Because the subject is not direct in the painting, the viewer is left to interpret the abstraction and conclude meaning based upon individual, subjective feeling.
Comparing the two aforementioned works, the viewer can see the difference in artistic style. If Morley’s work were in the style typical of expressionism, composition would possess less accuracy and precision and more abstraction. “Trees,” alternately, would display trees with impeccable accuracy and lose a majority of its subjectivity if expressed through realism. Although the theories vary in methodology, both represent a truth through art. Realism allows the viewer a temporary glimpse into the artist’s eyes of a real subject that exists in the three-dimensional world. Expressionism provides truth in that the composition triggers real emotion from the viewer that take form in interpretation.
“Portrait of the Ruskin Family”: http://crasstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/20110706-110750.jpg
The theory of expressionism is based on the idea that art should evoke the emotional responses that the artist has to objects or events. According to Barrett, expressionist artists “have strong feelings and different ways of looking at the world [and] who attempt to express them by means of their chosen medium” (2008, p. 58). Joan Mitchell’s works are classified as expressionistic in that they express the artist’s views about the world, acting as “metaphors for our own existence,” and elicit emotions from its audience (Barrett, 2008, pg.75). In her piece, Grandes Carrières, Mitchell uses quick, energetic strokes of various sizes and colors to create works of art that do not necessarily resemble any physical form but rather emotion. For example, the dark tones of the reds, purples, and browns Mitchell uses elicit more subdued emotions that contrast with the bright pinks and greens that elicit a happy and energetic emotion. Her works are unlike realistic forms of art because they do not exactly imitate real forms and objects but, instead, use the emotions associated with different colors, shapes, and materials to express her ideas.
Realism is a theory of art that is defined as “that quality of a depiction which allows the viewer quickly and easily to recognize what it is a picture of” (Barrett, 2008, p. 17). Realism focuses on capturing the real life features and what the eye can see. In Andres Serrano’s work, he uses photography as his medium to capture realistic images of both people and natural objects (i.e. blood, urine, etc.). In his piece, Klanswoman (Grand Klaliff II), Serrano captures the physical reality of a hooded KKK member. This work raises the controversial issue of the KKK and their involvement in hate crimes and white supremacy during the mid-twentieth century. This piece creates mystery with the hyperrealism due to the medium of photography and the concealing of the member’s face.
Each of these works of arts is characteristic of their respective theories of art, expressionism and realism. One can point out the differences in style and technique of each piece that connect them with either expressionism or realism. As Nicole stated, “both represent truth through art”. Serrano, and other realistic artist, create art by displaying real life forms in unique environments, actions, etc. Meanwhile, expressionist artists, like Joan Mitchell, create forms that are more abstract and are concerned more with creating and describing emotion then mimicking nature and real life.
While realism and expressionism seem to exist on either sides of an artistic spectrum, they bear a similarity in that both theories are very concerned with truthful representation. Realism is “that quality of a depiction which allows the viewer quickly and easily to recognize what it is a picture of” (Barrett 19). This theory emphasizes accurate depiction over expression and beauty derived from a systematic organization of form. Oliver Herring’s “Chris After Hours of Spitting Food Dye Outdoors,” is an example of realism. As a photograph, the viewer is aware that this is a representation of an actual moment in history and it is easy to recognize and identify the subject of the work. The truthfulness of the work stems from both its medium and Herring’s method. By waiting for that one moment when the subject is most vulnerable and choosing to use that shot, Herring conveys truth in his photographs.
In realism, truthfulness comes from realistic representation but expressionism also deals with the aspect of truthfulness, just in a more visceral way. The rawness of emotion that is found in works of expressionism is, in my opinion, a more genuine way of truth-telling than a perfect marriage of unity and form or a clearly depicted representation of life. Expressionism seeks to transmit emotion in a less literal way and becomes more symbolic, using elements like color to convey subject matter. Joan Mitchell’s “La Grande Vallee O” is an explosion of color on canvas but aptly conveys the joy and lightness that comes with Mitchell’s thoughts on this secret garden in France. Rather than rendering the elements of the landscape in a realistic way, Mitchell exposes the viewer to her personal emotions elicited by this particular place. While specific forms are nearly impossible to identify, Mitchell’s method connects with the viewer on a deeper, more emotional level.
Like Anastasia and Nicole, I see the similarity of truth in realism and expressionism. Both theories strive to create honest depictions of life in completely different methods. Mitchell’s gestural and chaotic rendering of La Grande Vallee is very different from Herring’s piercing photograph, yet both convey the truth about their subjects.
When talking about Art Theory, Realism and Expressionism lie on opposite ends of the spectrum. Realism is the attempt to depict things as they actually are while expressionism is an abstract (and often exaggerated) attempt to express emotions. Realism is objective while expressionism is subjective. Realism depicts physical reality while expressionism offers meaning and emotional experience. This contrast can easily be seen in the famous works of "The Mona Lisa" by Leonardo DiVinci and "The Scream" by Edvard Munch. The Mona Lisa is, as Plato would put it, "a mere and imperfect immitation" of the subject, Mona Lisa. DiVinci rendered her as closely to reality as possible and did not embellish her face to add emotion or personality to the portrait. In fact, this painting is one of the best examples of ambiguous emotion in Art History. "The Scream" on the other hand is expressive, vividly saturated, wanky in perspective and scale, and generally unrealistic. (No one could ever mistake it for a photograph like the Mona Lisa). The emphasis in this painting is clearly on evoking an emotional response from the viewer and not on portraying reality exactly at the painter saw it. Hence, why it falls under the category of expressionism rather than realism.
The Scream: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/f/f4/20100829163553!The_Scream.jpg
The Mona Lisa: http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/vinci/joconde/joconde.jpg
While I agree with Caty that expressionism and realism are opposing concepts within artistic theory, I feel many contemporary artists are finding new ways to merge the two.
Realism is the concept of imitating the nature of the subject in the most detailed and physically real way. Plato and Aristotle spoke about realism in terms of mimesis, the concept that art should mirror the natural world. Barrett defines realism as that which "looks like what it is a picture of" (32). An example of realism may be, as Nicole already pointed out, "The Portrait of The Ruskin Family," which is an example of photo-realism. Details are sharp in many parts of the painting and contribute to the overall parody the work is trying to convey, a message about the "reality" of family life and an unconventional take on the traditional family portrait.
Definitions of expressionism also vary within scholarly opinion. Leo Tolstoy's version of expressionism was considered "extreme" as he felt that a viewer should become the emotion the artist felt when creating his work. R.G. Collingwood also commends the importance of the viewer with expressive art. To Collingwood, the artist must turn his emotions, or imaginative thoughts, into an artwork, thus learning more about himself. The viewer is an active participant in his model, as it is the viewer's responsibility to have an imaginative response with the work and "reconstruct" the artist's emotive intention. Barrett states that expressive art "opens experiences to us that we would otherwise miss," and this is very true. Artist's hold strong emotions and are able to express these in a way which may be communicated in a public realm. Joan Mitchell's work with imaginative and expressive landscapes is a prime example of expressionism, direct from the Barrett text. Mitchell's non-objective works express the emotions she feels from nature conveyed with oils and canvases.
Within a contemporary context I feel realism and expressionism may cohabit with one another. To me, Andres Serrano's "Piss Christ" is an example of this. The photograph is realistic in that it conveys the image it is meant to represent in an objective manner, but the level of ambiguity and unusual use of color makes this work emotive. To me, expressive art need not be non-objective, as is the case with Mitchell's work, rather it could be any piece which offers an emotional response or imaginative recreation by the viewer. Thus "Piss Christ," which is fueled with hostility and disappointment with the church, conveys a visceral reaction from the viewer while maintaining realism.
Everyone so far to this point has mentioned that realism and expressionism are at opposite sides of the spectrum. Nicole brings us the “truthfulness” in realism and Clareese expands more on how truthfulness is found in both realism and expressionist art. The truth in realism is set to capture how the object is without abstracting it to any recognition. While the truth in expressionism, is to capture the raw true emotion that might be felt by the artist. Many people already have used Joan Mitchell as an example of expressionist art, which is a perfect choice. Yet my favorite example of expressionism art is from Van Gogh. In “July in Paris” you can still tell it’s a street scene with many people, but the way he layered his colors gives so much more emotional depth to the painting. Not every object is clear to perfect form but just a suggestion of what it should be. Alvin Richard is a modern painter and his realist works are phenomenal. “Pot” is an acrylic painting glass soda bottles in a bucket outside; the way he captures the reflective surface and roundness of the glasses and bucket is spot on and yet, he still manages to add style into the painting. It’s like a cropped picture, he’s only giving you part of the scene and making you guess what else is around the object. http://www.artwallpaper.org/vincent-van-gogh/page4/The%2014th%20Juli%20in%20Paris%20July%20in%20Paris/artwallpapers1152864.jpg http://www.popandroll.com/coke-art/Alvin_Richard5.jpg
As Nikki just stated, everyone so far has mentioned how expressionism and realism are polar opposites. In a literal and unimaginative world, I would say that there is no connection between the two styles of art. Realism entails that the artist is attempting to perfectly imitate what their eye is seeing by reproducing it through the brush strokes and onto the canvas (or other medium). Expressionism doesn't attempt to recreate anything in the physical world, it aims to capture the emotion felt by the artist and reproduce it however the artist decides. I would agree with Nicole that realism, when speaking literally, is a more truthful form of art if one is attempting to simply recreate what they see. However, I would love to hear someone try and make any argument against the fact that our human emotions are just as real as a chair or a flower arrangement sitting on a chair. In my opinion, expressionism can be just as true, if not more true than realism, and most of the time way more interesting.
Take Jeff Koons' work, "Wolfman (Made in Heaven)," for instance. It certainly is a realistic imitation of a man and a woman having sex in an upright position. As Annie Sprinkle confirms, everything in the work is true to form coming from the standpoint of a former pornographer. Now what does the audience take away from this work? Contemplation about love making, what true love making looks like, or what love making in heaven might look like, or questions about what is love in general? Surely this is something of value to contemplate. But personally, I find Joan Mitchell's, "La Grand Vallee," to offer many more questions about true human emotions due to the open endedness of the work. Each brush stroke could be the result of a different feeling the artist has at any given moment. Each color offers the same amount of questioning and will leave the viewer thinking long after viewing the work. I find more value in expressionism over realism due to endless amount of differing interpretations one can deduce from a given expressionist work.
"Wolfman (Made in Heaven)" http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/jeff-koons-wolfman-4010403-details.aspx?pos=3&intObjectID=4010403&sid=
"La Grand Vallee" http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4387827
As everyone has stated, realism and expressionism seem to be pretty much opposites. I like the quote that several people made, that truth is represented through the art in both cases, which I find to be true. Realism is defined as a theory that allows the viewer to quickly identify what is being pictured. This type of art is meant to represent what is being depicted accurately and recognizable, while adhering to norms for creating said piece. Being a photographer, Andres Serrano is able to be considered a realist quite easily. Photographs are often “commonly accepted as the most realistic of the arts” (48) as Barrett says. Serrano uses his photographs to open up tough issues and create dialogue within the viewers. For this reason, his works are often controversial, such as his piece, Piss Christ.
Another example of his controversial subject matter is his portrait of Klanswoman (also known as The Klan). He wondered what it would be like to photograph masked figures, and it eventually morphed into a completely different project involving him calling up wizards and ex-clan members.
Quite differently, Expressionism is defined as having subjective perspectives and communicating emotional experiences opposed to accurate depictions of the world. Barrett says that artists, “embody their emotions in a work of art” (63). Therefore, we will be able to accept works that are abstract and non-objective as Expressionist works of art.
An interesting expressionist, Joan Mitchell, brought a completely different style to the table as far as Serrano’s work was concerned. She was known for her painting, and was considered an abstract expressionist. A quote I found compelling and representative of her work as an Expressionist artist is as follows, “She did not want to improve of mirror nature, but rather to paint her emotional experiences and memories of it” (81). Emotional experiences are a big part of Expressionism. Even though she did not paint directly from nature, her works referenced nature.
Realism is the practice of representing subject matter as it actually is, while avoiding abstract and conceptual formal elements. This art documents the naturalistic observation of true-to-life events. An artist concerned with realism would depict a chair as it is seen with the eye, thus creating a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional form. Malcolm Morley’s “Portrait of the Ruskin Family” depicts a typical family breakfast through the methods associated with photorealism. Along with depicting the figures, objects, and environment in a very naturalistic way, Morley constructed a portrait using a “real” scene rather than the typical, staged composition of a family portrait.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, expressionism has less to do with documenting the subject as it really is and more to do with how the formal qualities evoke subjective feelings. This method utilizes various techniques of abstraction to convey emotion—color, line, media, shapes, etc. In Joan Mitchell's work entitled "Trees," the artist uses different brushstrokes and colors to depict a scene. Because the subject is not direct in the painting, the viewer is left to interpret the abstraction and conclude meaning based upon individual, subjective feeling.
Comparing the two aforementioned works, the viewer can see the difference in artistic style. If Morley’s work were in the style typical of expressionism, composition would possess less accuracy and precision and more abstraction. “Trees,” alternately, would display trees with impeccable accuracy and lose a majority of its subjectivity if expressed through realism. Although the theories vary in methodology, both represent a truth through art. Realism allows the viewer a temporary glimpse into the artist’s eyes of a real subject that exists in the three-dimensional world. Expressionism provides truth in that the composition triggers real emotion from the viewer that take form in interpretation.
“Portrait of the Ruskin Family”: http://crasstalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/20110706-110750.jpg
"Trees": http://joanmitchellfoundation.org/uploads/artwork/Joan-Mitchell-1990-91-Trees-Walker-Art-Center.jpg
The theory of expressionism is based on the idea that art should evoke the emotional responses that the artist has to objects or events. According to Barrett, expressionist artists “have strong feelings and different ways of looking at the world [and] who attempt to express them by means of their chosen medium” (2008, p. 58). Joan Mitchell’s works are classified as expressionistic in that they express the artist’s views about the world, acting as “metaphors for our own existence,” and elicit emotions from its audience (Barrett, 2008, pg.75). In her piece, Grandes Carrières, Mitchell uses quick, energetic strokes of various sizes and colors to create works of art that do not necessarily resemble any physical form but rather emotion. For example, the dark tones of the reds, purples, and browns Mitchell uses elicit more subdued emotions that contrast with the bright pinks and greens that elicit a happy and energetic emotion. Her works are unlike realistic forms of art because they do not exactly imitate real forms and objects but, instead, use the emotions associated with different colors, shapes, and materials to express her ideas.
ReplyDeleteRealism is a theory of art that is defined as “that quality of a depiction which allows the viewer quickly and easily to recognize what it is a picture of” (Barrett, 2008, p. 17). Realism focuses on capturing the real life features and what the eye can see. In Andres Serrano’s work, he uses photography as his medium to capture realistic images of both people and natural objects (i.e. blood, urine, etc.). In his piece, Klanswoman (Grand Klaliff II), Serrano captures the physical reality of a hooded KKK member. This work raises the controversial issue of the KKK and their involvement in hate crimes and white supremacy during the mid-twentieth century. This piece creates mystery with the hyperrealism due to the medium of photography and the concealing of the member’s face.
Each of these works of arts is characteristic of their respective theories of art, expressionism and realism. One can point out the differences in style and technique of each piece that connect them with either expressionism or realism. As Nicole stated, “both represent truth through art”. Serrano, and other realistic artist, create art by displaying real life forms in unique environments, actions, etc. Meanwhile, expressionist artists, like Joan Mitchell, create forms that are more abstract and are concerned more with creating and describing emotion then mimicking nature and real life.
http://joanmitchellfoundation.org/work/artwork/cat/paintings/early-career-france-1958-1968/grandes-carrieres
http://www.artnet.com/usernet/awc/awc_thumbnail.asp?aid=424202827&gid=424202827&cid=118027&works_of_art=1
While realism and expressionism seem to exist on either sides of an artistic spectrum, they bear a similarity in that both theories are very concerned with truthful representation. Realism is “that quality of a depiction which allows the viewer quickly and easily to recognize what it is a picture of” (Barrett 19). This theory emphasizes accurate depiction over expression and beauty derived from a systematic organization of form. Oliver Herring’s “Chris After Hours of Spitting Food Dye Outdoors,” is an example of realism. As a photograph, the viewer is aware that this is a representation of an actual moment in history and it is easy to recognize and identify the subject of the work. The truthfulness of the work stems from both its medium and Herring’s method. By waiting for that one moment when the subject is most vulnerable and choosing to use that shot, Herring conveys truth in his photographs.
ReplyDeleteIn realism, truthfulness comes from realistic representation but expressionism also deals with the aspect of truthfulness, just in a more visceral way. The rawness of emotion that is found in works of expressionism is, in my opinion, a more genuine way of truth-telling than a perfect marriage of unity and form or a clearly depicted representation of life. Expressionism seeks to transmit emotion in a less literal way and becomes more symbolic, using elements like color to convey subject matter. Joan Mitchell’s “La Grande Vallee O” is an explosion of color on canvas but aptly conveys the joy and lightness that comes with Mitchell’s thoughts on this secret garden in France. Rather than rendering the elements of the landscape in a realistic way, Mitchell exposes the viewer to her personal emotions elicited by this particular place. While specific forms are nearly impossible to identify, Mitchell’s method connects with the viewer on a deeper, more emotional level.
Like Anastasia and Nicole, I see the similarity of truth in realism and expressionism. Both theories strive to create honest depictions of life in completely different methods. Mitchell’s gestural and chaotic rendering of La Grande Vallee is very different from Herring’s piercing photograph, yet both convey the truth about their subjects.
When talking about Art Theory, Realism and Expressionism lie on opposite ends of the spectrum. Realism is the attempt to depict things as they actually are while expressionism is an abstract (and often exaggerated) attempt to express emotions. Realism is objective while expressionism is subjective. Realism depicts physical reality while expressionism offers meaning and emotional experience.
ReplyDeleteThis contrast can easily be seen in the famous works of "The Mona Lisa" by Leonardo DiVinci and "The Scream" by Edvard Munch. The Mona Lisa is, as Plato would put it, "a mere and imperfect immitation" of the subject, Mona Lisa. DiVinci rendered her as closely to reality as possible and did not embellish her face to add emotion or personality to the portrait. In fact, this painting is one of the best examples of ambiguous emotion in Art History. "The Scream" on the other hand is expressive, vividly saturated, wanky in perspective and scale, and generally unrealistic. (No one could ever mistake it for a photograph like the Mona Lisa). The emphasis in this painting is clearly on evoking an emotional response from the viewer and not on portraying reality exactly at the painter saw it. Hence, why it falls under the category of expressionism rather than realism.
The Scream:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/archive/f/f4/20100829163553!The_Scream.jpg
The Mona Lisa:
http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/vinci/joconde/joconde.jpg
While I agree with Caty that expressionism and realism are opposing concepts within artistic theory, I feel many contemporary artists are finding new ways to merge the two.
ReplyDeleteRealism is the concept of imitating the nature of the subject in the most detailed and physically real way. Plato and Aristotle spoke about realism in terms of mimesis, the concept that art should mirror the natural world. Barrett defines realism as that which "looks like what it is a picture of" (32). An example of realism may be, as Nicole already pointed out, "The Portrait of The Ruskin Family," which is an example of photo-realism. Details are sharp in many parts of the painting and contribute to the overall parody the work is trying to convey, a message about the "reality" of family life and an unconventional take on the traditional family portrait.
Definitions of expressionism also vary within scholarly opinion. Leo Tolstoy's version of expressionism was considered "extreme" as he felt that a viewer should become the emotion the artist felt when creating his work. R.G. Collingwood also commends the importance of the viewer with expressive art. To Collingwood, the artist must turn his emotions, or imaginative thoughts, into an artwork, thus learning more about himself. The viewer is an active participant in his model, as it is the viewer's responsibility to have an imaginative response with the work and "reconstruct" the artist's emotive intention. Barrett states that expressive art "opens experiences to us that we would otherwise miss," and this is very true. Artist's hold strong emotions and are able to express these in a way which may be communicated in a public realm. Joan Mitchell's work with imaginative and expressive landscapes is a prime example of expressionism, direct from the Barrett text. Mitchell's non-objective works express the emotions she feels from nature conveyed with oils and canvases.
Within a contemporary context I feel realism and expressionism may cohabit with one another. To me, Andres Serrano's "Piss Christ" is an example of this. The photograph is realistic in that it conveys the image it is meant to represent in an objective manner, but the level of ambiguity and unusual use of color makes this work emotive. To me, expressive art need not be non-objective, as is the case with Mitchell's work, rather it could be any piece which offers an emotional response or imaginative recreation by the viewer. Thus "Piss Christ," which is fueled with hostility and disappointment with the church, conveys a visceral reaction from the viewer while maintaining realism.
Everyone so far to this point has mentioned that realism and expressionism are at opposite sides of the spectrum. Nicole brings us the “truthfulness” in realism and Clareese expands more on how truthfulness is found in both realism and expressionist art. The truth in realism is set to capture how the object is without abstracting it to any recognition. While the truth in expressionism, is to capture the raw true emotion that might be felt by the artist. Many people already have used Joan Mitchell as an example of expressionist art, which is a perfect choice. Yet my favorite example of expressionism art is from Van Gogh. In “July in Paris” you can still tell it’s a street scene with many people, but the way he layered his colors gives so much more emotional depth to the painting. Not every object is clear to perfect form but just a suggestion of what it should be. Alvin Richard is a modern painter and his realist works are phenomenal. “Pot” is an acrylic painting glass soda bottles in a bucket outside; the way he captures the reflective surface and roundness of the glasses and bucket is spot on and yet, he still manages to add style into the painting. It’s like a cropped picture, he’s only giving you part of the scene and making you guess what else is around the object.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.artwallpaper.org/vincent-van-gogh/page4/The%2014th%20Juli%20in%20Paris%20July%20in%20Paris/artwallpapers1152864.jpg
http://www.popandroll.com/coke-art/Alvin_Richard5.jpg
As Nikki just stated, everyone so far has mentioned how expressionism and realism are polar opposites. In a literal and unimaginative world, I would say that there is no connection between the two styles of art. Realism entails that the artist is attempting to perfectly imitate what their eye is seeing by reproducing it through the brush strokes and onto the canvas (or other medium). Expressionism doesn't attempt to recreate anything in the physical world, it aims to capture the emotion felt by the artist and reproduce it however the artist decides. I would agree with Nicole that realism, when speaking literally, is a more truthful form of art if one is attempting to simply recreate what they see. However, I would love to hear someone try and make any argument against the fact that our human emotions are just as real as a chair or a flower arrangement sitting on a chair. In my opinion, expressionism can be just as true, if not more true than realism, and most of the time way more interesting.
ReplyDeleteTake Jeff Koons' work, "Wolfman (Made in Heaven)," for instance. It certainly is a realistic imitation of a man and a woman having sex in an upright position. As Annie Sprinkle confirms, everything in the work is true to form coming from the standpoint of a former pornographer. Now what does the audience take away from this work? Contemplation about love making, what true love making looks like, or what love making in heaven might look like, or questions about what is love in general? Surely this is something of value to contemplate. But personally, I find Joan Mitchell's, "La Grand Vallee," to offer many more questions about true human emotions due to the open endedness of the work. Each brush stroke could be the result of a different feeling the artist has at any given moment. Each color offers the same amount of questioning and will leave the viewer thinking long after viewing the work. I find more value in expressionism over realism due to endless amount of differing interpretations one can deduce from a given expressionist work.
"Wolfman (Made in Heaven)" http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/jeff-koons-wolfman-4010403-details.aspx?pos=3&intObjectID=4010403&sid=
"La Grand Vallee" http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4387827
As everyone has stated, realism and expressionism seem to be pretty much opposites. I like the quote that several people made, that truth is represented through the art in both cases, which I find to be true. Realism is defined as a theory that allows the viewer to quickly identify what is being pictured. This type of art is meant to represent what is being depicted accurately and recognizable, while adhering to norms for creating said piece. Being a photographer, Andres Serrano is able to be considered a realist quite easily. Photographs are often “commonly accepted as the most realistic of the arts” (48) as Barrett says. Serrano uses his photographs to open up tough issues and create dialogue within the viewers. For this reason, his works are often controversial, such as his piece, Piss Christ.
ReplyDeleteAnother example of his controversial subject matter is his portrait of Klanswoman (also known as The Klan). He wondered what it would be like to photograph masked figures, and it eventually morphed into a completely different project involving him calling up wizards and ex-clan members.
Quite differently, Expressionism is defined as having subjective perspectives and communicating emotional experiences opposed to accurate depictions of the world. Barrett says that artists, “embody their emotions in a work of art” (63). Therefore, we will be able to accept works that are abstract and non-objective as Expressionist works of art.
An interesting expressionist, Joan Mitchell, brought a completely different style to the table as far as Serrano’s work was concerned. She was known for her painting, and was considered an abstract expressionist. A quote I found compelling and representative of her work as an Expressionist artist is as follows, “She did not want to improve of mirror nature, but rather to paint her emotional experiences and memories of it” (81). Emotional experiences are a big part of Expressionism. Even though she did not paint directly from nature, her works referenced nature.