4/23 Recap: Rivera to Flavin

Alfredo: Your presentation was clear and very informative. There is much history associated with the Rivera mural you’re analyzing in your paper, and you provided a concise summary in your presentation. Indeed, the mural is so grand that one can even write a thesis about it. I would only suggest that you further address in your paper the organization of the piece; indicate that the panels generally follow a chronological order from top to bottom. Also, since Rivera was a main contributor to the 1st Mexican muralist movement, briefly associate La Colonización o La Llegada de Hernán Cortes a Veracruz to other pieces of his, and note how his work set precedent for the 2nd muralist movement in the post-Cold War era. Other than that, awesome insight!

Audrey: We could dedicate an entire course to contrasting materiality with visuality, but you managed to address them very nicely in your research paper. However, because each theme is so extensive and respective to each work of art, I would highly suggest you concentrate on the materiality vs. visuality of only jade art, for example. This would really consolidate your paper to more manageable thesis. But jade art is a true beauty, I saw an exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego back when I was in high school, and it was fascinating.

Michelle: The narrative behind the Hiropon sculptures was very interesting. I like the approach you take regarding modern Japanese art surrounding a hyper-consumerist social structure which seeks endless reinvention. To make your paper stronger, I would encourage you to focus on modern art. Unless you’re seeking to compare and contrast Ukiyo-e art with Superflat art, I suggest basing your research on a single category, whether Superflat art or not.

Kevin: With, the promulgation of minimalist and performance art, machines may just well be the next method of producing innovative art. Though some of your examples were completely bizarre and eerie, you truly expand our definition of art and its purpose. This category of art is rarely addressed in Art courses, certainly not to the extent of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, but you make a valid point: all is art when the artist intends it to be. The only comment I have for your presentation is to clean up your thesis and try focusing on two or three artists preferably from the same time period.

Amanda: I am glad you focused your research on Flavin, his work is very radical and completely challenges institutionalized perceptions of aesthetics and meaning within artworks. What is most puzzling is that he himself is unsure of the meaning behind his pieces! Will it be that art, of whatever form, lose deeper meaning? Has Flavin written anything to explain how his productions relate to one another, or is it merely a hobby? I really encourage you to provide a critique of his work.