Chapter 1

How do we describe the process of seeing?

Seeing : In art, seeing is not considered a passive act of receiving visual

information. It's an active process that involves interpretation, experience, and
knowledge.

Identify this work (artist, title, date)

What does this work tell us about active seeing?

Beyond Recognition: The flag is a familiar symbol, instantly recognizable. Active seeing
encourages us to move beyond simple recognition. The muted colors, flatness, and texture
challenge us to consider the flag in a new light.

Close Observation: Active seeing emphasizes close looking. The work invites us to examine
details like the brushstrokes, variations in color, and the stenciled stars. This close
observation reveals the artist's choices and techniques.

Identify this work (artist, title, date)

How does this work use the same symbol in a different way?

Identify this work (artist, title, date)

How did Picasso's ideas develop during the course of making this work?

Limited Visibility:

Evolving Ideas:

Open to Interpretation:
 ROLES OF THE ARTIST
Name and define the four listed by Sayre. Give an example of a
work that would qualify for each..
Formal Art: This emphasizes the visual elements of the artwork itself, such as line, shape,
color, composition, and texture. The focus is on how these elements are arranged to create a
visually pleasing or interesting experience.Example: Piet Mondrian's "Composition with Red,
Blue, and Yellow" exemplifies formal art. The painting focuses on the harmonious
relationships between geometric shapes and primary colors.

Expressive Art: This type of art prioritizes the artist's emotions, ideas, or experiences. The
visual elements are used to convey these emotions or ideas to the viewer.Example: Edvard
Munch's "The Scream" is a prime example of expressive art. The painting uses distorted
figures, bold colors, and swirling lines to evoke feelings of anxiety and despair.

Mimetic Art: This refers to art that imitates or represents the visual world in some way. It can
be realistic or stylized, but the intention is to create a recognizable depiction of
something.Example: Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is a classic example of
mimetic art. The painting realistically portrays a young woman with a pearl earring.Non-
Mimetic Art: This type of art does not attempt to directly represent the visual world. It might
use abstract shapes, colors, or forms to evoke emotions or ideas.

Identify this work (artist, title, date)

How does this work fit into our discussion of "Culture Wars"?

Art as Commentary: Some artworks directly tackle controversial topics or challenge

societal norms. These works can spark debate and contribute to the culture wars.

Example: Keith Haring's "Silence=Death" uses bold imagery to address the AIDS crisis and
criticize government inaction.
 Identify this work (artist, title, date)

Why was this work shocking to its contemporary audience? What

were the intentions of the artist?

Challenging Norms: Art that deviates from accepted styles or subject matter can be
shocking. For example, early Impressionist paintings with their loose brushstrokes and
focus on light were considered radical compared to the detailed realism that dominated art
at the time.

Identify this work (artist, title, date,

location.)
What was the controversy regarding this work. What did Serra
intend, and why didn't his critics like it?

Scale and Imposition: Serra's sculptures are often massive and placed in public spaces.
Critics might argue that these works overpower their surroundings and disrupt established
uses of the space.

Accessibility and Alienation: The large scale and sometimes labyrinthine nature of his
sculptures can make them feel alienating or even hostile to some viewers. They might argue
the work prioritizes the artist's vision over user experience.

Safety Concerns: Some Serra sculptures, with their heavy weight and sharp edges, have
raised safety concerns, particularly for children playing in the vicinity.
Vocabulary:

trompe-l'oeil
Trompe-l'œil (pronounced "trawmp loy" or "trawnp lœil") is a French term that literally
translates to "deceive the eye." In the world of art, it refers to a technique that uses realistic
imagery to create the illusion of three-dimensionality on a flat surface.
aesthetic
This is the most common meaning of aesthetic. It refers to the pleasing qualities or beauty
of something, especially related to art, nature, or design.

anamorphic
Anamorphic describes something created with intentional distortion, specifically to appear
normal or recognizable only from a specific viewpoint.

triptych
A triptych (pronounced "TRIP-tik") refers to a set of three artworks displayed together,
typically hinged or otherwise connected to form a unified composition.

avant-garde
Avant-garde (French for "advance guard") refers to art, music, literature, or other creative
movements that are at the forefront of experimentation and innovation.

site-specific work
Site-specific art refers to artworks created to exist in a particular location and that have a
fundamental relationship with that space.