The Honors College at FIU
John Bailly, Fellow
e: baillyj@fiu.edu
w: http://www.johnbailly.com/
CONTENT AND METHOD PAPER
In class, we have discussed the relationship of content to artistic method. Particularly we have studied how different artists develop original aesthetics as a manner of presenting personal, usually avant-garde, values. We have seen in the cases of Caravaggio and Picasso in particular, how these new aesthetics are used “as an instrument of war” (Picasso) in challenging the values of authority. Sometimes, the authority is a particular entity (Caravaggio v Catholic Church) or simply the dominant established tradition of a culture (Picasso v traditional notions of representation).
In this paper, let’s begin at the beginning. This first paper will be an exercise in writing about the formal elements of art. Select two artists and write about the aesthetics they use, and how these reinforce the message they are presenting. Make sure the two artists have different values\objectives, so that you may recognize and explain different methodologies for contrasting ideas.
An example of this would a comparative analysis of Poussin and Rembrandt. Poussin is considered the first Neoclassical painter, and Rembrandt a precursor to Romanticism. Poussin’s paintings are characterized by balanced compositions, geometric shapes, cool grayish colors, no painterly texture, reserved emotional traits in depicted figures, and an overall emphasis on concept rather than technique. Rembrandt, on the other hand, focuses primarily on the application of paint and the human emotion of the depicted figures. As a result, he uses dramatic lighting, a wider variety of paint application, warm brownish colors, and often single figure compositions.
Rita Gilbert’s Living with Art defines the two movements, which are very close to characterizing work of the two artists:
Neoclassicism – “New” classicism – a style in 19th century Western art that referred back to the Classical styles of Greece and Rome. Neoclassical painting is marked by sharp outline, reserved emotions, deliberate (often geometric) composition, and cool colors.
Romanticism – A movement in Western art of the 19th century generally assumed to be in opposition to Neoclassicism. Romantic works are marked by intense colors, turbulent emotions, complex compositions, soft outlines, and sometimes heroic subject matter.
This is essentially the age old battle between order (Apollo & Poussin) and chaos (Dionysus & Rembrandt). Another example of different values embodied in different methods would be to compare Michelangelo’s David and Goliath to Caravaggio’s treatment of the same subject. Other examples: Ingres v. Delacroix, Maya Lin’s war memorial in D.C. v. Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile in Paris, Picasso’s Guernica v. Gros’ heroic battle scenes, Goya v. David.
Your assignment is to select two artists (not necessarily contemporaries) with different aesthetics and to write a comparative analysis of their works (you may address as many works as you wish). Address the basic formal elements of art: line, shape, light, texture, color, composition, and the manner and context of representation (Caravaggio’s dirty feet, Picasso’s space in Guernica). Describe how each artists uses these elements in different manners.
Your research must involve multiple text sources, as well as at least two interviews. You must conduct an interview of an expert in the arts (art historian, gallery owner, collector, or artist) and an interview of someone outside of the arts (scientist, mechanic, athlete. etc.).
No two students may use the same comparison, although artists may cross over. For example no two people may do Picasso v Gros, but one person may do Picasso v Gros, and another may do Goya v Gros. Your selections must approved by me.
Your paper must be from 6 to 9 pages, and will constitute 20 points of your final grade. Please follow the Paper Format Guidelines as described in a separate paper. Note: Titles of artworks are typed in italics.
The Honors College at FIU
John Bailly, Fellow
e: baillyj@fiu.edu
FIU University Park Campus, DM 233
11200 SW 8TH ST
Miami, FL 33199
t: 305-348-0297
f: 305-348-2118
w: http://www.johnbailly.com/
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