For the reading this week, I started reading Sister Stokes' essay on Dadaism... but then I had to move to my home computer and couldn't open it anymore. So, I went onto Wikipedia and found the section on Dada.
I find Dada so intriguing, and I think it's because it was an anti-art movement. The whole concept of an anti-art movement just makes me giggle inside! Are artists so high and mighty, so self-righteous in their positions as aestheticians for the lowly masses that they can't stand a little teasing?! Could it really cause a reviewer from the American Art News to say, "The Dada philosophy is the sickest, most paralyzing and most destructive thing that has ever originated from the brain of man."? I'm sorry, but I'm going to side with the Dadaists on this one; the art community as a whole can just get over it.
I have a very high opinion of art, but a very low opinion of the "elite" in art. I despise that anyone could possible have an ego so large that they would seek to define beauty for the rest of us. I can't stand that there is right and wrong when creating and analyzing art. I believe with my whole heart that beauty, art, and love for aesthetics were gifts from a generous God on high. I believe that just as he made each of us, His children, unique, He made our individual perceptions different from those belonging to anyone else. Beauty cannot possibly be defined, categorized, or systematized; beauty is too different for each of us!
If I see a painting that stops me in my tracks and catches all of my senses, draws me in and forces me to stay then there's a good chance that it's "art." I may sit and study the piece itself; I may look for what it's portraying and its symbolism. Later, I may look up it's background and the artist to gain a broader understanding. On the other hand, I may not. But that's my choice. Just because a painting is hanging in a museum doesn't mean that it's art for me, for you, or maybe Fred next door. "Art" is what people decide it is, and it's different for everyone. There's a reason so many people hate modern art- It's just not that good!
I think that art needs to return to the values of the general public. We're not as dumb as "the elite" think we are. I think that artists need to be less concerned with reaching out to the upper crust of society. They should remember that if their work can't catch the eye of the public, then it shouldn't matter if they can catch the eyes of those who are "trained."
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Cultural Event #3
This week's event was my favorite by far! After having had it approved by Sister Stokes, I attended a screening of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog!"
It was something my friends put on in the park; they brought a projector and a giant screen for all in attendance to enjoy. I sat down with my family, friends, and a few people I didn't even care for but I didn't care! This has been my favorite musical since I saw it for the first time last summer.
The story is that of an aspiring super-villian desperate to earn his place in the Evil League of Evil. The story starts as a comedy when he inadvertently introduces the girl of his dreams, Penny, to his arch-nemesis, Captain Hammer. The acting is wonderful, the timing perfect, and the music catchy. I'm humming it even now as I write this entry! It was a nice cool evening laced with light starlight and a cool breeze. It was so wonderful to snuggle up to my wife and enjoy her reactions (this was the first time she'd seen it).
The musical gets a 10 not only because it's the coolest thing ever, but because of how it makes you think. In the end Dr. Horrible gets just what he wants - he wins. But this comes at a terrible loss for him: A loss of a part of his soul. He started off as such a nice villain, unwilling to harm any innocents, but by the end his nightmare of turning evil becomes a reality which he is secretly sorrowed to face. Films like these are very rare these days. What's even more rare is that the film is available to watch for free online, and to purchase for a mere 5 dollars. The film was intended to be a slap in the face of Hollywood by distributing it to the masses for an affordable price and to show that something wonderful could come from a less than modest budget.
The setting gets an 8 because I got a mosquito bite that has been itching all weekend. Other than that though, it was a gorgeous evening and the popcorn was delicioso.
In conclusion GO WATCH IT! It's great and it's free at www.drhorrible.com through hulu. You'll love it and join with me in the revolution for sure.
Class for Week 3
Class this week was OK. I know that it just couldn't be nearly as good as class has been in the past because of the sheer amount of power-points that we needed to get through. Sister Stokes, I'm sorry that I dozed off a few times - I tried really hard to stay awake! It's just that it's my last class, I'm tired, I'm hungry, and my brain can only take so much of capitals and metopes.
I'm still glad to retain and share my own opinions, and I do hope that you never get tired of them, Sister Stokes. I never want you to call on me whilst thinking to yourself, "Oh great... it's Josh again. Let's just let him talk so we can get on with it." Because that would make me sad.
Reading for Week 3
The reading this week was OK again. I'm really grateful that we discussed "From Bauhaus to Our House" in class; I honestly felt like I didn't understand it at all! But now that we've done a little background, discussed it's meaning, and walked through the book together I feel much better. I'd still really like the study guide before any tests though!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Cultural Event #2
This week's cultural event comes to you all the way from Fiji!.... sort of.
I had the privilege of attending Fijian wedding this week. One of my wife's best friends married a young man from these isles, and we got to go. There wasn't much out of place at the sealing and luncheon aside from the leis the men wore and the flowers above the ladies' ears. I was glad to see that my wife was wearing hers above the left ear, which means that person is taken. But the real party didn't start until that evening at the reception.
They were playing classic Fijian music which seemed to waft over you just as the smells from their authentic barbecue. They greeted you warmly and directed you inside where they had tables set up around the West and East sides of the room. On the North was a long banquet table reserved for the Bridal Party facing the buffet tables on the South. The whole area in the center was left open, for dancing I assumed. I sat with my wife and in-laws and waited a few moments until the start of the program.
To open the program, they introduced every member of the Bridal party leading up to the Bride and Groom. That took nearly 30 minutes because the party was so large. Once they were all seated, they had servants dressed as islanders, probably family, serve them food and drink. Then the guests were invited to go and get in the buffet line. The food was authentic, cooked by the family themselves. They had a rice and cinnamon dish, several meats, and a few drinks that were interesting. One was watermelon coconut juice, and the other was a slushed pineapple and orange drink reserved specifically for VIPs. 10 minutes after everyone was seated again, they started the entertainment. This was around 8 o'clock and it didn't stop until midnight. I felt so sorry for the poor Bride and Groom! I remember what it was like waiting until my reception was over... but anyways, moving on.
The numbers were many. First, 2 of the cousins and their guitars. They played 5 love songs with a few encores. Next was a group of hula dancers. It's always been interesting to me to watch the story they tell with their hands, as opposed to other guys there who were more interested in their hips. We were then privileged with a war dance. They had the real attire complete with leaves and spears. They shouted and jumped and snarled and growled and sang and march and so forth. The next number was a group of women who sang some Fijian love songs a cappella. All of these lasted until 11:30 when the Bride and Groom had their first dance and the Bride finally threw her bouquet. By midnight, we had bid the young couple farewell.
It was a cultural eye-opener to attend this wedding. In most Utah weddings, we just show up to congratulate the couple, drop the gift, grab a taste of whatever is being served and leave. These people partied all night! There was dancing even after the couple left! It was a huge, family wide celebration with lots and lots of food. It makes me wonder what exactly our culture has forgotten. What exactly changed at the centuries have passed? Have we just moved more and more toward informality and political correctness?
I would rate the performances as an eight. You could tell that they were all family and friends performing, but they had practiced and were very professional. They obviously did this a lot, maybe even for a living. The background music was a soothing perfect fit for the atmosphere and island decorations, so I'd rate it as a 9. The decorations get a 10 for being island-ish, and yet keeping in harmony with a North American wedding theme. Overall, that's a rating of over 9! I really liked it. Even though I couldn't stomach all of the food, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I had the privilege of attending Fijian wedding this week. One of my wife's best friends married a young man from these isles, and we got to go. There wasn't much out of place at the sealing and luncheon aside from the leis the men wore and the flowers above the ladies' ears. I was glad to see that my wife was wearing hers above the left ear, which means that person is taken. But the real party didn't start until that evening at the reception.
They were playing classic Fijian music which seemed to waft over you just as the smells from their authentic barbecue. They greeted you warmly and directed you inside where they had tables set up around the West and East sides of the room. On the North was a long banquet table reserved for the Bridal Party facing the buffet tables on the South. The whole area in the center was left open, for dancing I assumed. I sat with my wife and in-laws and waited a few moments until the start of the program.
To open the program, they introduced every member of the Bridal party leading up to the Bride and Groom. That took nearly 30 minutes because the party was so large. Once they were all seated, they had servants dressed as islanders, probably family, serve them food and drink. Then the guests were invited to go and get in the buffet line. The food was authentic, cooked by the family themselves. They had a rice and cinnamon dish, several meats, and a few drinks that were interesting. One was watermelon coconut juice, and the other was a slushed pineapple and orange drink reserved specifically for VIPs. 10 minutes after everyone was seated again, they started the entertainment. This was around 8 o'clock and it didn't stop until midnight. I felt so sorry for the poor Bride and Groom! I remember what it was like waiting until my reception was over... but anyways, moving on.
The numbers were many. First, 2 of the cousins and their guitars. They played 5 love songs with a few encores. Next was a group of hula dancers. It's always been interesting to me to watch the story they tell with their hands, as opposed to other guys there who were more interested in their hips. We were then privileged with a war dance. They had the real attire complete with leaves and spears. They shouted and jumped and snarled and growled and sang and march and so forth. The next number was a group of women who sang some Fijian love songs a cappella. All of these lasted until 11:30 when the Bride and Groom had their first dance and the Bride finally threw her bouquet. By midnight, we had bid the young couple farewell.
It was a cultural eye-opener to attend this wedding. In most Utah weddings, we just show up to congratulate the couple, drop the gift, grab a taste of whatever is being served and leave. These people partied all night! There was dancing even after the couple left! It was a huge, family wide celebration with lots and lots of food. It makes me wonder what exactly our culture has forgotten. What exactly changed at the centuries have passed? Have we just moved more and more toward informality and political correctness?
I would rate the performances as an eight. You could tell that they were all family and friends performing, but they had practiced and were very professional. They obviously did this a lot, maybe even for a living. The background music was a soothing perfect fit for the atmosphere and island decorations, so I'd rate it as a 9. The decorations get a 10 for being island-ish, and yet keeping in harmony with a North American wedding theme. Overall, that's a rating of over 9! I really liked it. Even though I couldn't stomach all of the food, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Class for Week 2
Class this week was good; I thought we had some very interesting discussions. I'm still a little confused about the definitions of "Beauty" and "Art." I still feel that these terms are indefinable. Based on personal experience, knowledge, culture, upbringing, personality, taste, prior experience, and many other factors, one thing could fall anywhere on the scale between Beautiful and Ugly for an innumerable host of individuals. For example: My wife and I are in a current disagreement about babies. I think that skinny babies are just adorable, and my wife prefers the little chubby-chunkers. Now what God-fearing person, with all their degrees, letters, and study in the field of "Beauty" would dare to make the final decision on which babies are beautiful and which are not. What is ugly to one person will inevitably be beautiful to another, and vice-versa.
As far as Art Critics are concerned, I will still never let anyone tell me what to think. I refuse to be told what art is. In my mind, if they have to tell you that it's art, it probably isn't. I have no problem with a critic writing, "Hey, I really like this piece. Here's the historical background. I think it means this because of this and that. This is why I appreciate it. Go check it out!" But instead, we get critics and scholars arguing over the definitions and meanings nigh unto bloodshed. Yet that's what makes it funny: They could never, if they had all of eternity, define beauty or art. Nor could they ever capture all the meaning that once piece could convey. Times change, as do individual interpretation. And that is the keystone of art: What it means to you.
As far as Art Critics are concerned, I will still never let anyone tell me what to think. I refuse to be told what art is. In my mind, if they have to tell you that it's art, it probably isn't. I have no problem with a critic writing, "Hey, I really like this piece. Here's the historical background. I think it means this because of this and that. This is why I appreciate it. Go check it out!" But instead, we get critics and scholars arguing over the definitions and meanings nigh unto bloodshed. Yet that's what makes it funny: They could never, if they had all of eternity, define beauty or art. Nor could they ever capture all the meaning that once piece could convey. Times change, as do individual interpretation. And that is the keystone of art: What it means to you.
Reading for Week 2
I found the reading for this week to be... well, let's take them one at a time. I just finished reading From Bauhaus to Our House. That was a tough read. In fact, I'll probably have to re-read it because it couldn't hold my attention past the first few chapters and I just ended up skimming. Even by the end I had no idea what the author's intent in writing was. His voice and tone were sarcastic and satiric, but because I had no background on the subject, I found myself having to sit and think about why every joke he told was funny. My favorite part of the book was reading about that Stone fellow because he fell in love, got a vision, and began breaking norms. We was hated and ridiculed by his fellows, but I don't think he cared.
The chapters in the book were alright, but I got the biggest kick out of Appendix 2. That was a fun read! I found all of the symbols highly interesting. It was actually funny because I saw a painting this week titled "Agape" (Greek for "God's Love") that was riddled with symbolism. I felt like such a champ explaining the color and number symbolism to my wife. "You see, Dear, the 10 stars symbolize the perfection of man..." "Oh Sweetheart! You are SO knowledgeable!" Yeah. It was pretty awesome.
The chapters in the book were alright, but I got the biggest kick out of Appendix 2. That was a fun read! I found all of the symbols highly interesting. It was actually funny because I saw a painting this week titled "Agape" (Greek for "God's Love") that was riddled with symbolism. I felt like such a champ explaining the color and number symbolism to my wife. "You see, Dear, the 10 stars symbolize the perfection of man..." "Oh Sweetheart! You are SO knowledgeable!" Yeah. It was pretty awesome.
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